Indiana Governor hosts Japan-Midwest economic summit

Indiana Governor Mike Braun hosted the 56th annual joint meeting of the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association and the Japan-Midwest U.S. Association in Indianapolis. The three-day conference brought together approximately 500 business, government, and academic leaders from Japan and nine Midwestern U.S. states to discuss trade, investment, and workforce development.

The event aimed to strengthen economic ties and attract Japanese investment into Indiana, a state known for its manufacturing and logistics hubs. Currently, nearly 290 Japanese-owned businesses operate in Indiana, providing jobs for approximately 62,000 residents. These economic relations date back to 1987 with the establishment of Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette.

Discussions at the summit covered critical sectors including advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and life sciences. The Japanese delegation included representatives from national and prefectural governments, as well as major corporations such as Toyota, Subaru, Hitachi, Toshiba, and Mitsubishi. Participants also engaged in site visits to institutions like Purdue University and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to foster innovation and talent development.