What you need to know about Gov. Holcomb's 3rd trip to Japan
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Gov. Eric Holcomb is expected to return to Indiana on Friday after a seven-day trip to Japan that focused on economic development.
It marked Holcomb’s 16th international trip since taking office and his third visit to Japan. Holcomb also traveled to the country in 2017 and 2019 with trips focusing on business, trade and relationship-building with Japanese leaders.
Here’s what you need to know about the governor’s latest travel.
What did Holcomb do in Japan?
Holcomb met with U.S. and Japanese government officials in the country, which included U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel and government leaders in Indiana sister state Tochigi Prefecture.
Holcomb also met with leaders of Japanese businesses that work in Indiana, such as Subaru Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, Honda Motor Company and Hitachi Ltd. The trip also involved meetings with prospective businesses and business lobby organizations for discussion on future economic investment opportunities.
I was honored to meet with the @USAmbJapan Rahm Emanuel during my visit. We focused talks on advancing #Indiana’s interests, enhancing trade relations, and bolstering ties with Japan. #INJapan pic.twitter.com/mjyYpLoZsj
— Governor Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) September 12, 2023
Why Japan?
According to the governor’s office, Japan is Indiana’s largest foreign investor and more than 300 Japanese-owned businesses are located in the state.
Who went to Japan with the governor?
Holcomb was joined on the trip by members of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Ann Lathrop, IEDC’s chief strategy officer was part of the meetings with U.S. and Japanese government leaders.
Lathrop was tapped last month to join new Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg in Holcomb’s IEDC cabinet.
The IEDC’s Chief Strategy Officer Ann Lathrop spoke about opportunities in advanced manufacturing, EVs and energy that could expand Indiana and Japan’s economic relationship during a meeting today in Tokyo with Keidanren, the Japan Business Federation. pic.twitter.com/ithXv1nVWu
— Indiana Economic Development Corp. (@Indiana_EDC) September 11, 2023
What kind of projects might come back to Indiana because of the trip?
Holcomb said it’s not likely there will be any immediate project announcements after the trip but there could be something later, according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle.
It could be sooner rather than later. Reuters reported Friday that Subaru is eyeing Indiana for an electric vehicle production site, which comes after Holcomb's meetings with the automaker's leaders.
The governor’s Japan trips have led to investments in the state before. In 2017, Holcomb and Westfield Mayor Andy Cook traveled to Japan where meetings were held with Toyota officials. Shortly after the trip, Holcomb and Cook helped announce that Bastian Solutions, a Toyota-owned company, would open a manufacturing facility in Westfield. The site opened in 2019.
Earlier this year, the company announced it would condense manufacturing sites into a future corporate headquarters to be built in Noblesville.
What did the trip cost?
The Japan visit was paid for by private donations to the Indiana Economic Development Foundation. The IEDC declined to share how much the trip cost, saying it was not made with public money.
Where else has Holcomb traveled to while in office?
Holcomb has made 16 international trips while in office, including this latest visit to Japan. According to the governor’s office, he has also traveled to Europe and Canada.
Contact IndyStar's state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com or 317-779-4468. Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Gov. Holcomb returns from 3rd trip to Japan. What you need to know
