President Celebrates ‘Unbreakable Alliance’ During Japanese Prime Minister’s Visit
The Well News, April 10, 2024

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

Japan is a nation built up by an island arc in the Asia-Pacific, with its four main islands being Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. It has both large and small islands that make up its land mass, with the largest being Honshu.

Geographically, it has many coasts and much of its landscape is mountainous terrain, with it having some active and dormant volcanoes. Japan is considered one of the more economically and technologically advanced countries in the world, and holds a heavy emphasis on education, thus making it one of the more literate countries in the world as well. It is well known for its strong traditions and the intersectionality of the old and new in its modern-day culture, as well as is its competitive business culture.

Japan saw a nominal GDP of $4.2 trillion in 2023, with its population around 124.6 million people, thus making it the third largest economy in the world. Japan has a highly developed market economy and has many sectors that it specializes in, some of which include automotive, shipbuilding, electronic equipment, metals, and technology. Technology is one of its largest sectors, with many subsets, and one of the perks of doing business in Japan. It has multiple free trade agreements across the world, with many different trading partners that include the U.S., EU, Mexico, and others. However, the U.S and Japan’s deep economic roots and alliances is one of the most prominent.

U.S. – Japan Trade

In 2023, Japan was the 6th largest U.S export market, according to the International Trade Administration, with total exports equaling $76.2 billion. The top 5 exports from the U.S are chemicals ($14.1 billion), oil and gas ($9.5 billion), transportation equipment ($7.9 billion), computer & electronic products ($7.2 billion), and processed foods ($5.9 billion).

Japan was ranked the 5th largest importer, totaling $147.3 billion with top imports from Japan being transportation equipment ($55.5 billion), non-electrical machinery ($28.7 billion), chemicals ($16.7 billion), computer and electronic products ($14.2 billion), and electrical equipment, appliances & components ($9 billion).

U.S exports to Japan were up by 1.1% in 2023, while imports were down by 3.2%, because of this, the U.S trade deficit with Japan decreased from $70.1 billion to $62.7 billion.

California Trade Facts

In 2023, Japan ranked 4th in California’s export market, with exports to Japan totaling $10.6 billion. This is a continuing trend, as Japan has remained 4th in California’s export market since 2010, making it a long-standing relationship. The top 5 exports to Japan last year were computer and electronic products ($2 billion), transportation equipment ($1.5 billion), processed foods ($1.4 billion), non-electrical machinery ($1.2 billion), and chemicals ($996 million). California accounts for roughly 14% of U.S exports to Japan.
Japan also ranked the 5th largest in California importers, with imports totaling $25.8 billion, making California imports 17% of total U.S imports from Japan. The top 5 imports from Japan were transportation equipment ($9 billion), non-electrical machinery ($3.5 billion), computer and electronic products ($3.2 billion), chemicals ($3 billion), and electrical equipment, appliances and components. ($2.2 billion).

FDI-Japan

Japan is one of the leading foreign direct investors in the U.S and California. In 2023, Japan invested roughly $688.1 billion in the U.S. Japan. Japan provided up to 963,400 jobs as of 2021, invested $12.6 billion in innovative research and development, and contributed $74.8 billion to expanding U.S. exports. primary industries for Japanese FDI in the U.S. included industrial equipment , auto components, software and IT services, plastics, automotive OEM, and chemicals. U.S. FDI into Japan totaled at $63.4 billion in 2023, a noticeable 17 percent increase from 2022. As of 2022 the U.S. FDI flow into Japan was at approximately $1.4 trillion yen, a 25.9% increase, being one of the top investors in Japan. (JETRO 2023 Invest Japan Report)

In 2023, they continue to be one of the top investors in California, with Japanese FOE’s in California providing 112,673 jobs through 3,280 firms, which led to an estimated $12.249 billion in wages. The top sectors for these jobs are manufacturing, wholesale trade, retail trade, professional/business services, and financial activities (World Trade Center Los Angeles, Foreign Direct Investment in California, 2024).

Other sources:
(laedc.org)
Japan Fact Sheet, U.S. Department of Commerce
(BEA.gov)

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Japan News Updates and Resources

President Biden Welcomes Prime Minister Kishida for a State Visit U.S Embassy & Consulates in Japan, April 11, 2024JBIC 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 and Issues

Japan has multiple trade agreements with multiple countries all throughout the world. Some of its most notable are with EU, ASEAN members, U.S., and Latin America. It currently has 21 singed or enforced trade agreements as of 2024, with others under negation. It is a member of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP12), Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific (TPP11), and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP). Japan also has Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) with many countries, such as Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland, India, Vietnam, and the UK (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan).

Japan is currently seeing issues with its population, as many members are aging rapidly with births decreasing. According to the International Trade Administration, its population could decrease as much as one third by 2060, with the amount of its population over 65 increasing from 29 % today to 40% in 2060. (Japan – Market Overview (trade.gov))
For U.S companies it is also important to note that while tariffs are generally low, Japan does have non-tariff barriers that can affect or prolong importation of foreign products into Japan, depending on the products. These include unique standards, experience doing business in Japan (can limit new entrants), licensing powers within industry associations that may be strict on membership, reluctance to break or modify business relationships in Japan (trade.gov).

U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement

The enforcement of the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA) began on January 1, 2020. This agreement commits Japan to providing market access for the U.S. by phasing out a majority of tariffs, enabling tariff reductions, or approving quantity of imports at a specific rate. When the USJTA is fully implemented, it is reported that a majority of U.S. food and agricultural products that are imported to Japan will be duty free or receive tariff access.

The process of this agreement began on September 25, 2019, when then-president Trump and the former 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. This deal was set to 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.

U.S.-Japan Agreement: Agriculture Provisions
USDA

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

U.S.-Japan Digital Trade Agreement

The U.S.- Japan Digital Trade Agreement was signed on October 7, 2019, by then United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and former Ambassador of Japan to the U.S Shinsuke J. Sugiyama. The agreement mirrored similar agreements with Canada and Mexico, where it establishes high-standard rules in the digital area of trade. It also emphasizes the leading role both nations have in making rules in regard to digital trade. The goals of this agreement are to help drive economic prosperity, ensure shared rules will support businesses in important sectors, and promote fairer trade.

FACT SHEET on U.S.-Japan Digital Trade Agreement
USTR, October 2019

Japan Trade and Investment: Digital Trade 
U.S. Department of State, October 7, 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 Japan
January 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

California and Japan to Collaborate on Clean Ports and Shipping
CalSTA, March 15, 2023

Port of Los Angeles Signs Agreements with Tokyo and Yokohama Ports to Establish Green Shipping Corridor
Port of Los Angeles, March 16, 2023

Memorandum of Understanding between Keidanren (Japanese Business Federation) and the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
GO-Biz, March 14, 2023

MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION ON STRENGTHENING EFFORTS TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE AND ECONOMIC AND TRADE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN AND THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – March 2022 with Governor Gavin Newsom

Renewal of MOC on Climate Change between Japan and California State – September 2016

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE NEW ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION OF JAPAN AND THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – September 2015 with the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development

MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE, RENEWABLE ENERGY, TRADE and INVESTMENT, VEHICLES, HIGH SPEED RAIL AND WATER BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN AND THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – September 2014 with Governor Jerry Brown

Events

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 Celebrate Longtime Trade Connections

(June 12, 2024) The California Chamber of Commerce and Japan business leaders explored subjects of mutual interest this week during a working luncheon in Sacramento.

The June 12 gathering marked the 23rd annual visit between representatives from the CalChamber, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC) and Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA).

Leading the Japanese business delegation were Kazuhiro Gomi, JCCNC president and president and CEO of NTT Research, Inc., the global research and development arm of NTT; and Akira Minamiura, JBA president and president of Kintetsu Enterprises Company of America, which owns and operates two hotels and an office building in Southern California.

Representing the CalChamber at the luncheon were Jennifer Barrera, president and CEO, and Susanne T. Stirling, senior vice president, international affairs.

CalChamber, Japan Business Leaders Discuss Importance of Continued Partnership

(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

(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

(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.

CalChamber, Japan Business Leaders Note Longstanding Trade/Investment Partnership

June 25, 2019

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

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

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

Former radio announcer June-ko Nakagawa receives Kunsho

Ms. Nakagawa is the Executive Director of the 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

• Full Report
  
• Summary

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

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.

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

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:

• Perceptions of Japanese Investors about Business Retention and Expansion in California 2011
• California Japan – Business Recovery Forum 2011
• Japan’s Current Status and Challenges Towards Recovery 2011

 

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. 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

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.

• (Reference) List of projects selected under the FY 2011 Subsidy Program for Projects Promoting Asian Site Location in Japan
• Subsidy Program for Projects Promoting Asian Site Location in Japan: Application Guidelines
• Application Forms
• (Reference) guidelines for Completing Application Forms

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.
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.
Impact of Toyota, Japan-Affiliated Companies in Spotlight
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.
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. Related Documents Perceptions of Japanese Investors About Business Retention and Expansion in California 2011
New Consul General Yasumasa Nagamine Visits CalChamber	Vice Minister Shukuri Visits CalChamber
Chamber Joins Governor on Trade Mission to Japan	Forum Highlights California-Japan Trade Relations
(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.	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

CalChamber Resources

• • Japanese Organizations in California
  • Japanese Consular Contacts
  • US Census Bureau Trade in Goods
  • WTO Trade Policy Review: Japan
  • International Trade FAQs
    • Obtaining a Certificate of Origin
    • Setting up a Business in California
    • Country Studies – Foreign Market Sources
  • GO-Biz Stats: Japanese FDI in CA

Business

• U.S. Commercial Service Japan
• AmCham Japan
• Japan America Society
• Japan Business Association of Southern California
• Japan Echo
• Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
• Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California 
• METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)
• Technology Advanced Metropolitan Area (TAMA) Association / Greater Tokyo Initiative
• Why Japan? : 5 reasons to invest in JAPAN

Cultural/Educational

• Sister State – Osaka Prefecture, Japan
• Japan House – Los Angeles
• California Japan Scholars Program
• Osaka University
• International Universities/Programs
• Over 60 California cities have sister cities in Japan. See Sister Cities International