LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Governor Gretchen  Whitmer is kicking off a seven-day trip to Japan, hoping to secure investments that will “create good-paying jobs and bring critical supply chains back home to Michigan.”

“We are embarking on an economic mission alongside business leaders to bring Michigan’s story to East Asia in the coming days,” Whitmer said. “Our state is full of potential …. Let’s unleash that potential so we can keep growing our economy and help anyone ‘make it’ right here in Michigan.”

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Whitmer is scheduled to visit the Japanese External Trade Organization headquarters and the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association meeting in Tokyo. She’ll also highlight Michigan’s partnership with Shiga Prefecture, called “Michigan’s sister state” in a recent Governor’s Office press release.

As of 2021, data from the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit found that Japan remains among the leading foreign direct investors in Michigan. The majority of Japanese business facilities are located in southeast Michigan and operate primarily in R&D, engineering, sales, and service sectors. These facilities support nearly 40,000 Michigan jobs.

Whitmer’s trip comes as part of her goal to develop Michigan’s electric vehicle and battery manufacturing capability. Last year alone, the state attracted $14 billion in electric vehicle and battery investments.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation officials, Foundation board members, and partners from local economic development organizations are joining her on the trip.

“Michigan has a long and fruitful relationship with Japan, including being the home of a Consular Office in Detroit,” said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “This trip is a critical step in growing opportunities with Japanese businesses and citizens who have invested in our state for generations.”