Team Illinois to Travel to Japan for Midwest U.S.-Japan Association’s 55th Conference

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Economic Development Corporation (EDC), joined by public sector, education and economic development leaders from across the state, will travel to Japan for the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association’s (MWJA) 55^th Conference. Members of Team Illinois will join counterparts from across nine Midwestern states and more than 100 Japanese corporations to strengthen investment and trade ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Each year, MWJA hosts a joint meeting that brings together leaders to discuss trade, investment, and mutual opportunities, and these meetings alternate annually between the Midwest and Japan, ensuring continued engagement and cooperation. This year’s meeting will be hosted in Tokyo, Japan, following the 2024 gathering in Columbus, Ohio.

“As Governor, I’ve remained committed to strengthening Illinois’ economic relationship with Japan, from securing business expansions on trade missions to highlighting our state’s unmatched workforce, infrastructure and location,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I look forward to Team Illinois’ return to Japan as they continue this collaborative work and grow our relationships with international businesses.”

In 1983, Illinois opened an office in Japan to demonstrate the State’s commitment to strengthening business relations with the country, including promoting Illinois’ assets and products, enhancing government-to-government relations, and attracting foreign investment. There is currently one sister-state relationship and nine sister city relationships between Illinois municipalities and cities in Japan, further showcasing the community-level strength of this international partnership.

“Illinois is proud to participate in the MWJA’s 55^th Conference reaffirming our deep commitment to growing our economic partnership with Japan,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “With more than 400 Japanese companies operating in Illinois and employing over 56,000 residents, this relationship is a cornerstone of our state’s international engagement and economic strength.”

In addition to government relationships, Japan remains one of Illinois’ most important global economic partners. In 2024, Illinois exported $2.5 billion in goods to Japan, making it the state’s 9th largest export market. Imports from Japan totaled $7 billion, making it the 6th largest source of imported goods to Illinois. Overall, bilateral trade between Illinois and Japan reached nearly $10 billion in 2024. Japan is also Illinois’ top foreign direct investment (FDI) partner by number of business locations, with more than 400 Japanese companies operating across the state employing over 56,000 Illinoisians.

“Illinois’ assets – including its workforce, infrastructure, energy resources and location – make it a dominant player on the international stage, and the leader for investment in the Midwest,” said Christy George, President and CEO of the Illinois Economic Development Corporation. “Japanese companies employ tens of thousands of workers in Illinois, and our partnership has helped to spur growth in industries such as advanced manufacturing, agriculture and quantum computing. ​ Strengthening our state’s longstanding ties with Japan is a strategic step on the path to economic growth.”

Members of Team Illinois traveling to the meeting include: