Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Tours North Carolina, Highlights State's Investment

On Friday, April 12th, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is scheduled to tour North Carolina, showcasing Japan's role as the state's largest foreign investor, following his recent focus on global security concerns in Washington.

Upon his arrival on Thursday night, Kishida, Japan's prime minister since 2021, is expected to visit two Japanese companies and North Carolina State University. Additionally, he plans to have lunch at the governor's mansion, marking a historic first for the Tar Heel State.

During a news conference prior to his visit, Kishida stated that his decision to visit North Carolina demonstrates the extension of the Japan-U.S. partnership beyond Washington, emphasizing the importance of the relationship between the two nations.

Business Engagements

Kishida and his delegation will kick off the tour by visiting an up-and-coming Toyota Motor Corp. electric and hybrid battery plant in Liberty, followed by a visit to the Honda Aircraft Co. headquarters in Greensboro. These engagements are expected to strengthen economic ties between Japan and North Carolina.

Impacts on North Carolina

Japan stands as North Carolina’s largest source of foreign direct investment, with approximately 30,000 state residents employed by Japanese companies. Fujifilm's recent announcement of a $1.2 billion investment in its biopharmaceutical manufacturing plant further demonstrates Japan's significant economic contributions to the state.

The luncheon at the governor's mansion will mark the first time a foreign head of state has visited the mansion since records began being kept in 1891, reflecting the exceptional nature of Kishida’s visit.

Prime Minister Kishida had met with President Joe Biden earlier in the week to address security concerns related to China's military and to publicly affirm the U.S.-Japan alliance. Moreover, during a joint address to Congress, Kishida underlined the importance of the U.S.'s continued involvement in global security and labeled China's actions as the “greatest strategic challenge” to the international community.

Following these discussions, the first trilateral summit between the U.S., Japan and the Philippines convened at the White House to address Chinese “intimidation” in the Indo-Pacific region, indicating the growing collaboration among these nations in response to regional security challenges.