Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida recently visited Washington to discuss global security concerns before embarking on a tour of North Carolina to highlight Japan’s status as the state’s largest foreign investor. During his visit, Kishida is set to visit two Japanese companies as well as North Carolina State University. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper expressed excitement over Kishida’s visit, emphasizing the significance of the prime minister choosing North Carolina over other states. Kishida’s decision to visit North Carolina underscores the importance of the Japan-U.S. partnership beyond the nation’s capital.
Kishida’s tour of North Carolina will begin with visits to a Toyota Motor Corp. electric and hybrid battery plant in Liberty as well as the Honda Aircraft Co. headquarters in Greensboro. The prime minister’s visit is unexpected but demonstrates the potential for a positive future partnership between Japan and the U.S., with the possibility of more Japanese workers coming to the state. North Carolina receives substantial foreign direct investment from Japan, with around 30,000 state residents working for Japanese companies. The visit also presents an opportunity for increased cultural exchange between Japan and the U.S.
Ahead of Kishida’s visit, Fujifilm announced a significant $1.2 billion investment in its biopharmaceutical manufacturing plant in North Carolina, further solidifying Japan’s economic presence in the state. The luncheon at the governor’s mansion will be a historic occasion, marking the first time a foreign head of state has visited the mansion since record-keeping began in 1891. Kishida’s visit to the U.S. comes after a meeting with President Joe Biden where they discussed security concerns related to China’s military actions. Kishida highlighted China’s challenge as the greatest strategic threat to the international community during a joint address to Congress.
Kishida’s visit to North Carolina also serves as a platform for addressing China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region, with a trilateral summit between the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines held to respond to Chinese “intimidation.” China has expressed strong opposition to Kishida’s statements and actions during his visit, highlighting the tensions between the two countries. The visit underscores the ongoing importance of U.S.-Japan relations in shaping global security dynamics. Kishida’s tour of North Carolina, in particular, showcases the economic ties between Japan and the state, providing opportunities for further collaboration and cultural exchange in the future.
