Team Illinois to travel to Japan

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) 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.

 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.”