On his trip to fortify ties with key Texas allies across the globe, Governor Greg Abbott met with Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi in Tokyo to further solidify the economic partnership between the Lone Star State and Japan. With Japan standing as Texas' fifth-largest trading partner, Governor Abbott aimed to ensure continued collaboration across industries that define the state's economic landscape. In an official statement, Abbott expressed, "Texas and Japan aspire to drive the future of innovation, and by meeting with Japanese government officials, we ensure Texas and Japan continue to work together to spur economic growth and prosperity for our two peoples."
The agenda in Japan was packed, beginning with discussions with the Central Japan Railway Company executives in Nagoya, quickly following up to efficiently utilize travel time by boarding a high-speed bullet train from Nagoya to Tokyo. Texas' economic muscle flexed through the Governor's praise of the state's robust economy during a luncheon hosted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), where he highlighted the $31.2 billion worth of trade done with Japan in 2023. According to a report by the Governor's office, Texas hosted investments from notable Japanese companies like Mitsubishi and Toyota, fostering an ecosystem ripe for foreign investment and job creation.
The Texan governor's schedule was detailed in an article from the Texas Governor's Office, which recounted the day's series of meetings, including those with JR Central's leadership and JETRO's Chair. Abbott's meeting with Hayashi at the Naikaku Sōri Daijin Kantei – the office of the Chief Cabinet Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office – revolved around reinforcing the trade and investment bonds between Texas and Japan. Photos and video of Governor Abbott and the Texas delegation's visit to Japan are available here.
Later, meeting with Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa, Governor Abbott expressed his gratitude for the Japanese hospitality and continued to advertise Texas as the premiere destination for business within the United States. Drawing connections at a special Texas reception hosted by the U.S. Embassy, Abbott outlined the interlinked nature of Texas and Japan in sectors such as semiconductors and biotechnology. The Governor's entourage on this economic expedition included First Lady Cecilia Abbott and a number of Texas officials and business representatives. Concluding the fifth day with a statement of mutual cooperation reinforces the mission to not only maintain but also to expand upon a relationship that has led Japan to be the top nation in job creation through foreign direct investment in Texas over the last decade.
The culmination of Governor Abbott's economic development mission includes significant engagements for the final day, such as a signing with Governor of Aichi Prefecture Hideaki Ohmura and a meeting with Governor Yuriko Koike of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Spanning the last ten years, Japanese companies have injected $10.87 billion into the Texan economy, spawning over 20,000 jobs. And in 2024 alone, investments have already reached $1.47 billion – a testament to the economic synergy the state has cultivated with Japan. Funded by the Texas Economic Development Corporation, the mission underscores a strategy aimed to ensure the state’s continued prosperity and status as a global business hub.
