Japan Trading Partner Portal

Trading Partner Portal: Japan

2023-California-Japan-Trade-Mission-Banner
2023 California Japan Trade Mission – March 12-17, 2023

Overview

Japan a Steadfast Ally of California, U.S. Over the Years
CalChamber, July 11, 2022

CalChamber Statement on Tragic Death of Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
CalChamber, July 8, 2022

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Interview Series Featuring California’s Key Trading Partners – Featuring Toru Maeda, Consul General of Japan in San Francisco:
Longtime Commercial Relations Promote Opportunities to Form Reliable Partnerships
CalChamber, September 18, 2020

Trade Overview

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Japan is the United States’ fourth largest export partner. The U.S. is a large supplier of chemicals, transportation equipment, and computer and electronic products to Japan. Japan is also one of the largest U.S. foreign markets for agricultural products.

U.S. exports to Japan were $80.317 billion in 2022, a 7.7% increase from 2021. Chemicals, oil and gas, computers and electronic products, agricultural products, processed foods, and transportation equipment and made up the top imports in 2022. U.S. imports from Japan to the United States were $148.33 billion in 2022, representing a 9.9% increase from 2021. Transportation equipment imports accounted for 33% of the total. Non-electrical machinery, chemicals, computer and electronic products, and other electrical equipment made up the other top import categories.

California Trade Facts

2022 California Exports by Country - Top 10California continues to be a top exporting state to Japan, accounting for more than 14.4% of total U.S. exports. Japan has remained California’s fourth largest export market since 2010, after Mexico, Canada and China. California exports to Japan, the world’s third largest economy, totaled $11.607 billion in 2022, representing a 1.6% decrease from 2021. Computers and electronic products accounted for 18% of total exports. Other top exports included non-electrical machinery, chemicals, processed foods, and transportation equipment. California is in the top two exporting states for products being sent to Japan.

Imports into California from Japan were $29.367 billion in 2022, representing a 31.21% increase from 2021. Transportation equipment accounted for more than 34% of total imports. California is currently the top importing state in the United States for products from Japan.

 

Foreign Direct Investment

According to the most recent figures, U.S. direct investment to Japan totaled $118.74 billion in 2021, largely in financial, software and internet services (Bureau of Economic Analysis). Foreign direct investment (FDI) from Japan into the United States was $721 billion in 2021. In 2020, Japan was the largest source of FDI in the United States that year. In 2019, Japanese FDI in the United States supported 973,800 jobs and contributed $12.9 billion to research and development, as well as another $82.3 billion to expanding U.S. exports. The top industry sectors for Japanese FDI are: auto components, industrial equipment, plastics, automotive OEM, software and information technology services, and metals. (Select USA)

In California, Japan is the largest source of FDI through foreign-owned enterprises (FOEs). Japanese FOEs in California in 2022 provided 101,169 jobs through 3,471 firms amounting to $11.68 billion in wages. The top jobs by sector are: manufacturing, wholesale trade, financial activities, retail trade, professional/business services, and information. (World Trade Center Los Angeles FDI Report).

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Japan News Updates and Resources

JBIC Signs MOU with the US State of California: Supporting Business Expansion of Japanese Companies in California, Advanced State of Global Environmental Protection
Japan Bank for International Cooperation, March 5, 2021California and Japan Bank for International Cooperation Ratify Agreement to Expand Relations in Sustainability and Economic Development
Office of Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, March 4, 2021

Blue Dot Network: The Belt and Road Alternative
The Diplomat, April 7, 2020

Japanese Manners Videos Show How to Be a “Really Cool” Traveller in Japan 
SoraNews24, January 27, 2020

Japan in the Bay Area: Collaboration and Transformation
The Bay Area Economic Council, December 2019

Japan Plans to Spend $120 Billion to Stimulate Slowing Economy
The New York Times, December 5, 2019

The Pension Fund Trying to Change the World by Hiromichi Mizuno (page 84) 
Time Magazine, September 23, 2019 

Japan House Los Angeles Celebrates August Grand Opening of New Cultural Destination
Japan House, July 24, 2018

Japan House to Open Cultural Promotion Center in Los Angeles
The Japan Times, December 1, 2017

Trade Agreements

Trade Agreements

U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement

On September 25, President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York that the United States and Japan have agreed to a partial trade deal that will reduce or eliminate Japanese tariffs on U.S. agricultural products as well as U.S. tariffs on some industrial goods. A separate agreement establishes high-standard digital trade rules said to be similar to those in the USMCA.

Joint Statement of the United States and Japan
White House, September 26, 2019

President Donald J. Trump Has Reached Agreements with Japan to Improve Trade Between Our Nations
White House, September 25, 2019

FACT SHEET on U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement
U.S. Trade Representative, September 2019

Administration Announces Intent to Open Trade Talks with EU, UK, Japan

CalChamber, October 18, 2018
The U.S. Trade Representative notified Congress of the Trump administration’s intent to enter into trade negotiations with three markets: the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

President Donald J. Trump is working to open new markets for U.S. farmers and companies where they currently face significant barriers. As U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) noted, new high-standard trade agreements with each of these countries would expand the United States’ ability to sell “made in America” products around the globe and deepen partnerships with vital allies.

Pursuant to the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) process, the U.S. Trade Representative must give notice to Congress of the intent to enter into trade negotiations. The trade representative’s October 16 letter to Congress opened a 90-day consultation period in which members of Congress and stakeholders may outline negotiating objectives. TPA also requires the publication of detailed negotiating objectives at least 30 days before the start of talks.

The EU, UK, and Japan are all vital trading partners of the United States and California.

Japan is also one of the largest U.S. foreign markets for agricultural products. U.S. exports to Japan were $67.69 billion in 2017, making it the fourth largest export destination for the United States

TPP 11

Eleven Pacific Rim countries signed the revised Trans-Pacific Partnership on Thursday afternoon, March 8, 2018 in Santiago, Chile finalizing the trade and investment agreement just over a year after the American withdrawal left its fate in question.

The pact, renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (can be abbreviated as CPTPP or TPP-11), retains all of the tariff reductions and eliminations from the original version signed in 2016 by the 11 nations and the U.S. It suspends 22 other provisions, including some intellectual property rules.

The TPP-11 will reduce tariffs in countries that together amount to more than 13 percent of the global economy – a total of $10 trillion in gross domestic product. With the United States, it would have represented 40 percent.  Even without the United States, the deal will span a market of nearly 500 million people, making it one of the world’s largest trade agreements.

With the deal signed, members will begin domestic ratification procedures. The TPP-11 will take effect once it is approved by at least six countries.

For more info on the TPP-11 signing.

CalChamber’s Information page on the TPP

Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement
Canada, Mexico and Japan have stated their intent to join the TPP negotiations.
CalChamber’s Comments in Support of JapanJanuary 11, 2012

USTR’s Information Page

Yokohama, Japan & APEC 2010

APEC Leaders Declaration: “The Yokohama Vision – Bogor and Beyond”

APEC/Yokohama: Leaders’ Statement on 2010 Bogor Goals Assessment

APEC/Yokohama: Pathways to a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific

Trans-Pacific Partnership: Progress Towards a Regional Agreement

Fact Sheet on New Initiatives

Fact Sheet on U.S.-Japan Cooperation on Reducing Nuclear Risks

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

After 8 years of negotiations, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was signed on November 15, 2020. The RCEP is a free trade agreement (FTA) with 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states—Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam—and the five states with which ASEAN has existing FTAs—Australia, China, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand.

Please see the CalChamber’s RCEP page for more info.

RCEP – Association of Southeast Asian Nations

Text of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

MOUs

Events

Events

2023-California-Japan-Trade-Mission-Banner
2023 California Japan Trade Mission – March 12-17, 2023

From March 12 – March 17, 2023 a delegation of California businesses and state agencies led by Lieutenant Governor Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis and Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, traveled to Tokyo and Osaka for a trade mission to advance business, collaboration and partnership between California and Japan.

The delegation was made up of 55 private sector leaders from the agriculture, airlines, energy, and clean-technology sectors, as well as approximately 20 representatives from an array of state agencies. There was an additional group of tourism companies and associations, as well – bringing the entire California delegation to 100.

CalChamber, Japan Business Leaders Discuss Importance of Continued Partnership

(Seated, from left) Kazuhiro Gomi, Government Relations Committee Chair, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC)/ NTT Research Inc.; Nobuyuki Baba, president, JCCNC/ Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas); Jennifer Barrera, president and CEO, CalChamber; Masahiko Yamamoto, president, Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA)/ Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas); and Nori Sakai, JBA/ Premier Kaikei LLP. (Standing, from left) Keijiro Hora, executive director, JCCNC; Akemi Koda, JCCNC/ USAsia Venture Partners Inc.; Koki Sato, JCCNC/ ITC Ventures XI, Inc. and ITOCHU International Inc; Wataru Kuribayashi, JCCNC/ Presidio Ventures and Sumitomo Corporation of Americas; Hironori Kobayashi, JBA/ All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.; Susanne T. Stirling, vice president, international affairs, CalChamber; Koji Shinohara, JBA/ Takenaka Partners LLC; and Fumio Yasue, executive director, JBA.
(Seated, from left) Kazuhiro Gomi, Government Relations Committee Chair, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC)/ NTT Research Inc.; Nobuyuki Baba, president, JCCNC/ Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas); Jennifer Barrera, president and CEO, CalChamber; Masahiko Yamamoto, president, Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA)/ Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas); and Nori Sakai, JBA/ Premier Kaikei LLP. (Standing from left) Keijiro Hora, executive director, JCCNC; Akemi Koda, JCCNC/ USAsia Venture Partners Inc.; Koki Sato, JCCNC/ ITC Ventures XI, Inc. and ITOCHU International Inc; Wataru Kuribayashi, JCCNC/ Presidio Ventures and Sumitomo Corporation of Americas; Hironori Kobayashi, JBA/ All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.; Susanne T. Stirling, vice president, international affairs, CalChamber; Koji Shinohara, JBA/ Takenaka Partners LLC; and Fumio Yasue, executive director, JBA.

(June 20, 2023) The continuing interdependence of California and Japan was highlighted last week at the 22nd annual meeting between the California Chamber of Commerce and Japan business leaders.

The June 15 meeting underscored the importance of the state’s continued partnership with Japan, a key trade and investment partner, and destination for the trade mission led by California’s Lieutenant Governor in March.

CalChamber, Japan Business Leaders Discuss Ways to Collaborate

(Seated, from left) Tasha Yorozu, managing attorney, Yorozu Law Group/ auditor, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC); Tsuyoshi Tsurumi, managing director, MUFG Union Bank/president, JCCNC; Jennifer Barrera, president and CEO, CalChamber; Hironori Kobayashi, vice president and general administration in the Americas and the Los Angeles office, All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd./ president, Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA); and Tomoki Nakatani, general manager of the Los Angeles branch and head of Japanese corporate banking west, MUFG Union Bank/ vice president and chair, Business and Commerce Committee, JBA. (Standing, from left) Kenichi Tsuji, executive director, JCCNC; Akemi Koda, founder and CEO, USAsia Venture Partners Inc./ board member, JCCNC; Kazuhiro Gomi, president and CEO, NTT Research, Inc./ chair, Government Relations Committee, JCCNC; Susanne T. Stirling, vice president of international affairs, CalChamber; Ryo Amada, vice president, Kintetsu Enterprises Company of America/ Business and Commerce Committee member, JBA; Aya Dorwart, deputy director, JCCNC; and Fumio Yasue, executive director, JBA.

(June 17, 2022) The 21st annual meeting between the California Chamber of Commerce and Japan business leaders was held in person once again following the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting highlighted California’s continuing interdependence with one of its largest trade and investment partners.

Leading the Japanese business delegation were Hironori Kobayashi, president of the Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA) and vice president and general administration in the Americas and the Los Angeles office of All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.; as well as Tsuyoshi Tsurumi, president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC) and managing director of MUFG Union Bank.

Representing the CalChamber at the Wednesday, June 15, 2022 luncheon were Jennifer Barrera, president and CEO, and Susanne T. Stirling, vice president, international affairs.

CalChamber Hosts Reception for Japanese Ambassador and Delegation

(From left) California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis; Hiroshi Kawamura, Consul General of Japan in San Francisco; Japanese Ambassador Koji Tomita; CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera; Dee Dee Myers, Director, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).

(March 22, 2022) On Monday, March 21 the California Chamber of Commerce hosted a reception for the Japanese Ambassador to the United States.

Ambassador Koji Tomita was accompanied by a delegation including Hiroshi Kawamura, Consul General of Japan in San Francisco, and representatives from the business community together with California state government officials.

The Ambassador was escorted to the CalChamber offices by the Lieutenant Governor of California, Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis, and Dee Dee Myers, Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), following the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on climate change and energy earlier in the day.

Twentieth Annual Japanese Business Association of Southern California and Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California Gathering

(September 8, 2021) The 20th annual meeting between the California Chamber of Commerce and Japan business leaders highlighted California’s continuing interdependence with one of its largest trade and investment partners.

Leading the Japanese business delegation were Mr. Hironori Kobayashi, Chair of the Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA) and Director for the Americas of All Nippon Airways ANA Co., Ltd., as well as, Ms. Tasha Yoroz, President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC) and Managing Attorney for Yorozu Law Group.

Representing the CalChamber at the Wednesday, September virtual meeting were Allan Zaremberg, retiring President and CEO, Jennifer Barrera, incoming President and CEO, Susanne T. Stirling, vice president, international affairs, and Nikki Ellis, International Trade Assistant.

(From left to right) Allan Zaremberg, President & CEO, Calchamber; Tasha Yorozu, Board President 2021, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California/Managing Attorney, Yorozu Law Group; Jennifer Barrera, Incoming President & CEO, CalChamber; Hironori Kobayashi, Chairman, Japan Business Association of Southern California/General Manager of the Los Angeles Office, All Nippon Airways; Fumitaka Oguri, President, OYO Corporation USA; Masahiro Maruyama, COO, HULFT, Inc.; Aki Tohyama, President, USJP Business Advisors; Kenichi Tsuji, Executive Director, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California; Kenji Sakai, SVP, CBRE, Inc.; Aya Dorwart, Deputy Director, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California; Susanne Stirling, Vice President of International Affairs, CalChamber; Steve Teraoka, Managing Partner, Teraoka & Partners; Noriko Sakurada, Branch Manager, IACE Travel; Takashi Sasaki, President & CEO, Innovation Core SEI, Inc.; and Nicole Ellis, International Affairs, CalChamber.

CalChamber, Japan Business Leaders Note Longstanding Trade/Investment Partnership

June 25, 2019

(Seated, from left) Hiroki Suyama, legal counsel, Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA)/partner, Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP; Shinichi Yoshino, vice president, JBA/director, KPMG LLP; Kiichi Nakajima, president, JBA/vice president, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.; Allan Zaremberg, president and CEO, CalChamber; Masayuki Matsumura, vice president, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC)/director, Mizuho Bank, Ltd.; Naoki Ando, chair, JCCNC Government Relations Committee/president and CEO, Ebara Technologies, Inc; and Masahiro Maruyama, vice chair, JCCNC Government Relations Committee/president and COO, HULFT, Inc. (Standing, from left) Yoshinobu Fukushima, executive director, JBA; Susanne T. Stirling, vice president, international affairs, CalChamber; Noriyuki Sakai, vice chair, JBA Business and Commerce Committee/attest senior, PDM LLP; Tsunehisa Nakajima, JCCNC/COO, Fujisoft America, Inc.; Anna Silva, HR manager, Ebara Technologies, Inc.; Masayoshi Ozeki, JCCNC/president, Mitsubishi Chemical Carbon Fiber and Composites, Inc.; and Kenichi Tsuji, executive director, JCCNC. Photo by Sara Proffit.

An annual meeting between the California Chamber of Commerce and Japan business leaders highlighted California’s continuing interdependence with one of its largest trade and investment partners.

Leading the Japanese business delegation were Kiichi Nakajima, president of the Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA) and vice president of the Southwest Region with Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., as well as, Masayuki Matsumura, vice president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC) and director of Mizuho Bank.

Representing the CalChamber at the Thursday, June 20, luncheon were Allan Zaremberg, president and CEO, and Susanne T. Stirling, vice president, international affairs.

Read the full story here.

Annual Japanese Business Association of Southern California and Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California Luncheon, June 21, 2017

(Seated from left to right) Masahiro Nakada, Director, JCCNC/President, Salad Cosmo USA Corporation; Yuko Kaifu, Executive Vice President, JBA/President, Japan House; Hiroshi Tomita, President, JCCNC/President and CEO, Tomita International; Allan Zaremberg, President and CEO, CalChamber; Hitoshi Ishikawa, President, JBA/SVP Mitsubishi Corporation Los Angeles Branch; Shinya Imai, Vice Chair, Government Relations, JCCNC/President and CEO, Mitsui & Co. Global Investment, Inc.; Naoshi Matsushita, Chair, Business and Commerce Committee, JBA/Director, COO, NRI Secure Technologies, Ltd.; Eiji Namba, First Vice President, JCCNC/General Manager, SF Corporate Banking Representative Office of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.
(standing from left to right) Yuji Takahashi, Executive Director, JBA; Yasuhiro Zaima, JCCNC/Senior Director, TOTO Americas Holdings, Inc.; Susanne Stirling, Vice President, International Affairs, CalChamber; Tadao Ogaki, Chair, Government Relations, JCCNC/President and CEO, Zenrin USA, Inc.; Jun Suto, Business and Commerce Committee, JBA/CEO and Managing Director, S-Cubed Consulting; Kenji Sakai, Deputy Chair, Business and Commerce Committee, JBA/SVP, The Japan Desk CBRE, Inc.; Tomomichi Saito, Director, JCCNC/VP and General Manager San Francisco, All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.; June-ko Nakagawa, Secretary and Acting Executive Director, JCCNC; Tak Nishida, Chair, Corporate Operations Café Committee, JCCNC/President and CEO, FX Global, Inc.

Japan-California Trade/Investment Ties: Annual Meeting Keeps Connections Strong, June 22, 2016

(From left) Satoshi Okawa, president, Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA)/ Sumitomo Corporation of Americas; Susanne T. Stirling, CalChamber vice president of international affairs; CalChamber Board member Frank Washington, Crossings TV; and Ken-ichi Sato, president, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC)/Kokusai Semiconductor Equipment Corporation.

The numerous areas that affect trade and investment between California and Japan, one of the state’s largest export partners, were the subject of a lively exchange on June 22, 2016 at the annual luncheon meeting between the California Chamber of Commerce and leaders of Japanese companies with operations in the state.

Conversations touched upon topics such as the California legislative and regulatory process; state, U.S. and Japanese election politics; and presidential candidates’ attitudes toward pending trade agreements.

Heading the Japanese business delegation were Ken-ichi Sato, president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC), and Satoshi Okawa, president of the Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA).

Representing the CalChamber at the luncheon were CalChamber Board member Frank Washington, CEO of Crossings TV, and Susanne T. Stirling, vice president, international affairs.

Japanese Business Federation Visit Highlights Importance of Relationship with U.S., California
CalChamber, August 11, 2015

Annual Visit Highlights Japan-California Trade/Investment Partnership, June 18, 2015

The annual meeting between the California Chamber of Commerce and Japan business leaders highlighted California’s continuing interdependence with one of its largest export partners.

Leading the Japanese business delegation were Hitoshi Yamamuro, president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC), and Hideo Miyake, president of the Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA).

Representing the CalChamber at the luncheon were Allan Zaremberg, president and CEO, and Susanne T. Stirling, vice president, international affairs.

Read Full Story

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Front: Mr. Hiroshi Tomita, JCCNC Executive Advisor / Konica Minolta Laboratory USA, Inc.; Mr. Ken-ichi Sato, JCCNC First Vice President / Kokusai Semiconductor Equipment; Mr. Hitoshi Yamamuro, JCCNC President / Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.; Allan Zaremberg, President – CalChamber; Mr. Hideo Miyake, JBA President / All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.; Mr. Satoshi Okawa, JBA Vice President and Business & Commerce Chair / Sumitomo; Mr. Naoki Kawada, JBA Business & Commerce Committee Vice Chair / Perkins Coie. Back: Dr. Hayato Urabe, Assistant to Mr. Katayama – Innovation Core SEI, Inc.; Ms. June-ko Nakagawa, Executive Director for Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California; Mr. Yoshiharu Nakamura, JCCNC Member/ Obayashi Corporation; Mr. Makoto Katayama, JCCNC Government Relations Chair /Innovation Core SEI (Sumitomo Co); Mr. Eiji Namba, JCCNC New Year’s Party Chair/ The Bank of Tokyo – Mitsubishi; Mr. Hitoshi Ishikawa, JBA Business & Commerce Committee Member / Mitsubishi; Mrs. Susanne Stirling, Vice President of International Affairs – CalChamber; Mr. Yuji Takahashi, Executive Director – JBA

Former radio announcer June-ko Nakagawa receives Kunsho

Ms. Nakagawa is the Executive Director of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California

June-Ko.jpg
From left to right: Mrs. Susanne T. Stirling, Vice President, International Affairs CalChamber; Ms. June-ko Nakagawa, Executive Director, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California.

Nichi Bei Weekly, February 19, 2015

Survey of Japanese Companies In Southern California 2014
Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA) & Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), August 2014

Japanese Investors in California
Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC) & Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA), June 2014

Consular Corps Reception

Japan and California: Partners Across the Pacific

View Brochure

Presented by the California Chamber of Commerce, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, Japan Business Association of Southern California

At the consular corps reception, held in Sacramento on May 21, 2012, are (from left) Hiroshi Haruki, Fujitsu Management Services of America, ; Governor Brown; and Hideki Oshima, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.

Event Spotlights Innovation Opportunities for Partnering with Japanese Companies

(February 20, 2014) The California Chamber of Commerce served as a supporting organization for a recent symposium focusing on “Opportunities for  Innovation: Getting More Involved with Japanese Business.”

The Japan-U.S. Business and Technology Symposium was held in San Francisco earlier this month, and Susanne Stirling, CalChamber vice president of international affairs, was in attendance.

The event was hosted by the Japan External Organization (JETRO), a nonprofit government-related organization that helps U.S. companies establish a Japan office and find Japanese business partners. JETRO also connects U.S. investors with Japanese ventures, and promotes Japanese goods.

Toshiro Okada, director of the San Francisco JETRO office, welcomed the more the 200 attendees. Tsuneyuki Kato, executive vice president of JETRO based in Tokyo, added his welcome, before Hidehiro Yokoo, director general of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) discussed Invest in Japan: New Chances for your Business.

Japanese Economics

Aligning with the recent Japanese “Abenomics” measures, the symposium aimed to reinvigorate economic interaction between Japan and the United States. Shinzo Abe’s comeback as prime minister is currently driving Japan’s economic turnaround.

In his keynote speech at the symposium, Director General Yokoo focused on the “Three Arrows of Abenomics.” These include:

  • a bold monetary policy,
  • a flexible fiscal policy, and
  • a growth strategy to energize the private industry.

The third point includes regulatory reform, promoting economic partnerships (such as the Trans Pacific Partnership) and supporting the advancement of women in the Japanese workforce.

According to JETRO, Japan has an attractive investment environment with a well-developed infrastructure, sophisticated market, high level of innovation, and a safe and comfortable living environment. The real gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate has gone from negative to positive.

As the third largest economy in the world by GDP, Japan is undergoing an economic revitalization while remaining one of the United States’ most important economic partners. World economy dynamics continue to change rapidly with the rise of the emerging markets, thus making a strong relationship between Japan and the United States critical to the economic health of both countries.

During the February 10 symposium, attendees were introduced to recent Japanese technologies advances and learned how such innovations are essential to growth in several industries. The symposium also provided an opportunity to learn about supportive measures by the Japanese government such as subsidies, preferential treatment, and deregulation for foreign business establishments in Japan. Government incentives for investment are available via JETRO and METI.

Breakout sessions with industry professionals from both countries focused on specific, high-growth industries to discuss funding opportunities, explore how Japanese expertise can provide additional value to U.S. businesses, and understand how the U.S. and Japanese enterprise can boost business collaboration.

Breakout session topics include Information Technology, Energy & Environment, and Healthcare & Medical Devices. The event concluded with a closing session on Demystifying Japan.

Economic Recovery Efforts in Japan

On June 23, 2011 CalChamber hosted its annual luncheon welcoming guests representing Japanese – American business in California.

Japan’s economic recovery after the Tohoku earthquake and related tsunami was the topic of discussion during a luncheon yesterday with representatives of the Japan Business Association (JBA) and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC) hosted by the California Chamber of Commerce.

JBA_8213.jpg
Left to Right: Allan Zaremberg, President and CEO of the CalChamber, exchanges gifts with Hiroshi Haruki, President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, and Koichi Kinoshita, President of the Japanese Business Association.

CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg met with the groups to help them celebrate some significant milestones. JBA is celebrating its 50th anniversary, while JCCNC is celebrating its 60th.

Figures released in May showed that Japan’s economy shrank at an annual rate of 3.7 percent in the first quarter of 2011, tipping the country into a recession, as the crisis disrupted production and prompted consumers to cut back on spending. Economists projected that the Japanese economy will shrink again in the second current quarter, but that the recession may be deep but quick, The New York Times recently reported.

Japan recently launched the Visit Japan 2011 campaign, spreading the world that the nation is safe for visitors traveling on business and pleasure. For more information visit the website, www.visitjapan.jp

Japan Business Association (JBA) 2011
From Left (Seated): Gosuke Nakae, Mitsubishi International; Masanori Yasunaga, Calbee America; Hiroshi Haruki, President, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California; Allan Zaremberg, CalChamber President and CEO; Koichi Kinoshita, President, Japanese Business Association of Southern California; Yuko Kaifu, Union Bank; Katsuya Takamiya, Mitsubishi Electric. (Standing): Steven Teraoka, Teraoka & Partners; Susanne Stirling, CalChamber; Hiroshi Tomita, Konica Minolta Laboratory; Toshihiko Sekine, FX Global; Ko Takigawa, Bank of Tokyo; June-ko Nakagawa, Executive Director, JBA; Scott Keene, Advisor to JBA and JCCNC.

The U.S. State Department recently updated its travel alert for Japan, saying that while the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant remains serious and dynamic, the health and safety risks to land areas outside a 50-mile radius of the plant are low and do not pose significant risks to U.S. citizens.

Related Articles & Documents:

 

 

The Alliance Forum Foundation (AFF) was founded in 1985 in California. During the 1980’s, AFF played a significant role in easing trade friction between Japan and the US in the field of industrial high technology. In the early 1990’s, AFF concentrated its efforts on the promotion of strategic business tie-ups between US IT /bio venture companies and leading Japanese companies with support from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, and the US Government. Today, the mission of the Alliance Forum Foundation is evolving with the times. Beginning in the year 2000, AFF redefined its objectives and multi-faceted mission based on the recognition that computer-centralized technology has reached maturization as the core industry driving the global economy. As a result, the foundation is focusing its efforts and activities on the following three themes:

The Themes of AFF’s Vision for the 21st Century:

    1. Nurturing new technologies and industries capable of generating a new core industry and facilitating debate on new industries for the post-computer era.
    2. Promoting exchange and debate centering on new forms of corporate governance, corporate management, and the theory of Public Interest Capitalism which can provide solutions to problems encountered by shareholder-centric management that places over-emphasis on short-term profit for shareholders.
    3. Fostering debate, exchange, and collaboration in various fields related to poverty alleviation in developing countries.

JETRO Affiliation Program

JETRO Connection
The California Chamber of Commerce recently has signed onto the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Affiliation Program.

The “JETRO Connection,” is designed to foster dynamic and mutually beneficial relationships between JETRO and various industry-affiliated and government-related organizations and media. Working as a bridge, JETRO helps organizations stay connected with up-to-date Japanese market information, and makes it easy to reach vibrant and competitive Japanese companies. Both organizations have agreed to support events, distribute information and assist members in trade-related endeavors.

Read the entire story from CalChamber Alert.

About JETRO Connection

Find a Business Partner via JETRO
If your company is not yet ready to open an independent office in Japan, start by working with a Japanese partner who knows the market, has a developed network, and understands the business climate of Japan. Qualified companies can apply to join one of our Business Matching or Invitation Programs.

JETRO Recent Event: Japan-U.S. Business & Technology Symposium – February 2014
-Opportunities for Innovation: Getting More Involved with Japanese Business-

JETRO Message to California Business Circle: “How we can create ‘Common Business Eco-System’ between California and Japan”
June 2014

JETRO Message to California Business Circle: “Myth and Truth on starting, expanding and prospering your business in Japan”
October 2013

JETRO Message to California Business Circle: “Innovation-minded business eco-system that integrates California and Japan”
September 2013

JETRO Message to California Business Circle: “Thoughts on the collaborative agricultural relationship between California and Japan”
August 2013

JETRO Message to California Business Circle: “Japan – transforming itself and challenging difficult issues”
July 2013

JETRO Message to California Business Circle: “Japan as a Bridge between California, China, India and Other Asian Countries”
June 2013

JETRO Message to California Business Circle: “Further invigoration of economic ties between California and Japan”
May 2013

Information about JETRO
December 2012

JETRO USA Launches New Website

JETRO USA takes a big step towards providing better support for U.S. companies looking to do business with Japan by launching its new and more interactive website at

www.jetro.org

The website, fitted with a dramatically new design and navigation, will draw attention to JETRO USA’s two main focuses:

  • Helping U.S. companies establish a business presence in Japan.
  • Helping U.S. companies procure Japanese goods and technology from Japan.

Aug. 28, 2012 – The subsidy Program for Promoting Asian Site Location in Japan is intended to sustain and strengthen high-value-added business sites in Japan and to achieve sustainable growth of the Japanese economy by supporting the establishment of new high-value-added sites in Japan by global companies operating internationally, such as Regional Headquarters or R&D Sites, which have been proven to have a significant impact on the Japanese economy, and by strategically and proactively inviting and building high-value-added business functions that match the strength of the Japanese economy.

2010 Asia Trade Mission

Governor Schwarzenegger announced in July 2010 that he would lead a delegation of California business leaders and key State of California government officials to Asia in September 2010. Asia is a dynamic and growing market for California products, produce and intellectual property. The dates of the trade mission were September 9, 2010 to September 15, 2010. The delegation started in Hangzhou and Shanghai, traveled to Tokyo and ended in Seoul. This trade mission was successful and will bring many economic and cultural benefits to the people of California.

CalChamber Joins Governor on Successful Asia Trade Mission
CalChamber, September 21, 2010

CalChamber Trade Mission Blog

Hangzhou ~ Shanghai
Tokyo ~ Seoul

California Business Delegation

2004 Trade Mission to Japan

The California Chamber of Commerce joined Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s trade and tourism mission to Japan. The November 2004 visit was the Governor’s first trade mission to promote California’s business climate, to encourage travel and tourism, and to market California-grown products.

Read the entire story in the November 2004 Alert .

Annual Visit Highlights Japan-California Trade Partnership – June 19, 2014

 

An annual meeting between the California Chamber of Commerce and Japan business leaders on June 19, 2014 highlighted the state’s continuing interdependence with one of its largest export partners.Leading the Japanese business delegation were Hitoshi Yamamuro, president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC), and Hideo Miyake, president of the Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA).

Representing the CalChamber at the luncheon were Allan Zaremberg, president and CEO, and Susanne Stirling, vice president, international affairs.

Alert Story (July 11, 2014)

CalChamber Hosts The Technology Advanced Metropolitan Area (TAMA) Association from Japan
The California Chamber of Commerce hosted representatives from the Japanese Northern California Chamber of Commerce and The Technology Advanced Metropolitan Area (TAMA) Association, based in Tokyo on December 17. This meeting was focused on TAMA’s plan to begin doing business with California in 2014.

(From left to right) Susanne Stirling, CalChamber Vice President of International Affairs; Toshihiko Sekine, former President and current Advisort at Fuji Xerox; Hideto Okazaki Managing Director of TAMA; June-Ko Nakagawa, Executive Director, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California)
Japanese Business Executives Meet with CalChamber Leaders

Leaders of Japanese companies with a California presence mingled with colleagues and members of the California Chamber of Commerce on June 13, 2013 in Sacramento. Representatives of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California and the Japan Business Association of Southern California visit Sacramento each year to bring attention to the long-standing economic ties between California and Japan.

(front row, from left): Takashi Amino, regional officer & general manager, Mitsui & Company, Inc.; Masumi Muroi, western states regional officer & head of Los Angeles office, Mitsui & Company, Inc.; Allan Zaremberg, CalChamber president and CEO; Hiroshi Tomita, president, Konica Minolta Laboratory USA, Inc; Akihiko Hara, president and CEO, FX Global, Inc.; Hideki Kishimoto, executive vice president, Union Bank, general manager, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd; (back row, from left): Hitoshi Yamamuro, vice president & regional manager, Japan Airlines Company, Ltd.; Susanne Stirling, CalChamber vice president, international affairs; Norio Minato, vice president, R & D engineering, Mazda North American Operations; Masao Sasayama, senior vice president, Union Bank, N.A., Pacific Rim Corporate; Masahiro Miyazaki, president and CEO, Hitachi High Technologies America, Inc.; June-ko Nakagawa, executive director Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Northern California; Scott Keene, Advisor.
Impact of Toyota, Japan-Affiliated Companies in Spotlight

(March 7, 2013) Toyota executive James Lentz describes the economic and jobs impact of the automaker’s presence in the United States and California at the March 7 dinner gathering of the CalChamber Board of Directors, the day after being named to oversee all Toyota’s North America affiliates as senior managing officer of Toyota Motor Corporation, CEO North America Region, and president and COO of Toyota Motor North America.

(March 7, 2013) Jun Niimi, consulate general of Japan, comments on the strong trade and investment ties between Japan and California at the CalChamber Board dinner. Top representatives of the Japan Business Association of Southern California also attended. Japan has remained California’s fourth largest export market since 2011 ($13.1 billion in 2012 — 8% of all state exports). Computers/electronic products accounted for 23% of total exports.
Japanese Business Executives Meet with CalChamber Leaders
Leaders of Japanese companies with a California presence mingled with colleagues and members of the California Chamber of Commerce on May 21-22, 2012 in Sacramento. Representatives of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California and the Japan Business Association of Southern California visit Sacramento each year to bring attention to the long-standing economic ties between California and Japan.

In photo are Seated (from left): Gosuke Nakae, general manager, Mitsubishi International Corporation; Allan Zaremberg, CalChamber president and CEO; Hiroshi Haruki, president and CEO, Fujitsu Management Services of America, and president of JCCNC; Timothy S. Dubois, president, The Edward Thomas Collection, and CalChamber chair; Masumi Muroi, Western States regional office, Mitsui & Co. (USA), Inc., and vice president, JBA; Yusuke Ozawa, general manager, Sumitomo Corporation of America. Standing (from left): Norio Minato, vice president, Mazda North American Operations; Susanne Stirling, CalChamber vice president, international affairs; Masahiro Nakada, president, Salad Cosmo U.S.A. Corporation; Hideki Oshima, vice president (Northwest Region), Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.; Masao Sasayama, general manager, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ; June-ko Nakagawa, executive director, JCCNC; and Scott Keene, Keene Law, San Francisco.
CalChamber and Japanese Business Leaders Discuss Trade at CalChamber-Hosted Luncheon Gathering
On June 23, 2011 members of the Japan Business Association and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California met with California Chamber of Commerce representatives to exchange comments on Japan’s economic recovery efforts, international trade and the world economy. Both associations include Japanese businesses that invest in California and employ Californians. JBA is marking its 50th anniversary in California while JCCNC is observing its 60th year.

From Left to right: Seated- Gosuke Nakae, Mitsubishi International, Masanori Yasunaga, Calbee America, Hiroshi Haruki, President, Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, Allan Zaremberg, President & CEO, California Chamber of Commerce, Koichi Kinoshita, President, Japanese Business Association of Southern California, Yuko Kaifu, Union Bank, Katsuya Takamiya, Mitsubishi Electric Standing- Steven Teraoka, Teraoka & Partners, Susanne Stirling, California Chamber of Commerce, Hiroshi Tomita, Konica Minolta Laboratory, Toshihiko Sekine, FX Global, Ko Takigawa, Bank of Tokyo, June-ko Nakagawa, Executive Director, JCCNC, Scott Keene, Advisor to JBA & JCCNC

Related Documents

New Consul General Yasumasa Nagamine Visits CalChamber Vice Minister Shukuri Visits CalChamber

New Consul General Yasumasa Nagamine representing Japan in San Francisco and Northern California visited the California Chamber of Commerce
(December 10, 2007) New Consul General Yasumasa Nagamine (center), representing Japan in San Francisco and Northern California, visited the California Chamber of Commerce. Topics of discussion included the general economic situation in California and climate change issues. At left is Susanne Stirling, CalChamber vice president, international affairs; at right is CalChamber President Allan Zaremberg.

(June 30, 2010) Mr. Masafumi Shukuri, Vice Minister of Transportation for Japan visited the CalChamber offices for meetings about High Speed Rail on the Governor’s upcoming trade mission to Japan. At left is Vice Minister Shukuri with CalChamber President & CEO Allan Zaremberg.
Chamber Joins Governor on Trade Mission to Japan Forum Highlights California-Japan Trade Relations
Japan Business Association Forum
Forum attendees (pictured from left) included JBA Executive Vice President and Secretary Akira Tasaki, president/chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc.; Scott Keene, Keene and Associates; Consul General Kazuo Kodama, Consulate General of Japan, Los Angeles; Kurt Miyamoto, vice chairman of the JBA Business and Administration Committee and president/chief executive officer of Quest International LLC.; CalChamber President Allan Zaremberg; Assemblyman Chuck DeVore; Gary L. Toebben, president/chief executive officer, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce; Professor Tayyeb Shabbir, California State University, Dominguez Hills; and Yasuyoshi Suzuki, chairman of the JBA Business and Administration Committee and vice president and regional manager, Western Region, Japan Airlines. Photo courtesy of Yuko Izumi, Lighthouse

(November 29, 2007) The ever-changing business environment in California and the importance of the state’s trade with Japan received a close look recently when California Chamber of Commerce President Allan Zaremberg addressed the 14th annual gathering of the Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA).

More than 150 guests – Japanese and American business executives who work for Japanese-affiliated companies – greeted Zaremberg and Assemblyman Chuck Devore (R-Irvine) at the November 15 forum.

Japan 2004 Trade Mission
Pictured (from left) are California Chamber of Commerce President Allan Zaremberg; Debbie Howard, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan; Chamber Chair John Koeberer and Susanne Stirling, Chamber vice president of international affairs. Howard hosted lunch for the business delegation that traveled to Japan on the Governor’s trade and tourism mission.

The November 10-13, 2004 visit was the Governor’s first trade mission to promote California’s business climate, to encourage travel and tourism, and to market California-grown products. The Governor and delegation accompanying him met with business and government leaders and participated in events to promote California.

The California business delegation included:

  • Chamber President Allan Zaremberg;
  • John Koeberer, 2004 Chamber chair and owner/chief executive officer of the California Parks Companies;
  • Thomas McKernan, Chamber Board member and president and chief executive officer of the Automobile Club of Southern California;
  • John Kautz, Chamber Board member and chairman of Kautz Ironstone Vineyards;
  • Susanne Stirling, Chamber vice president of international affairs; and
  • representatives from other Chamber member companies.

Read the Full Article in Alert