INDIANAPOLIS — About 500 business, government and academic leaders from Japan and the Midwest gathered in Indianapolis this week for a three-day conference focused on trade, investment and workforce development. The 56th annual joint meeting of the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association and the Japan-M idwest U.S. Association brought representatives from nine Midwestern states and Japan to Indiana. The conference was hosted by Gov. Mike Braun and organized with the Japan-America Society of Indiana. Indiana officials used the event to highlight the state’s economic ties with Japan. Nearly 290 Japanese-owned business facilities operate in Indiana, employing about 62,000 Hoosiers, according to state officials. Those ties date back decades. Subaru of Indiana Automotive broke ground on its Lafayette manufacturing plant in 1987. Japanese companies including Toyota and Honda have since established major operations in the state. The conference included representatives from Japanese government agencies, trade organizations and nearly 40 Japanese companies. Among those represented were Toyota, Subaru, Hitachi, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, Marubeni, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways. Discussions focused on several industries, including advanced manufacturing, life sciences, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Workforce development and infrastructure were also part of the conference agenda. The Japanese delegation included representatives from national and prefectural governments, along with organizations including the Japan External Trade Organization, Keidanren and the Japan-U.S. Business Council. Indiana businesses, universities and economic development organizations also participated in the conference. Attendees toured several Indiana facilities and institutions, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Purdue University, and participated in meetings intended to connect companies and economic development groups. “This was another record-breaking event hosted by the State of Indiana,” said Theresa Kulczak, executive director of the Japan-America Society of Indiana. “We were proud to deliver an exceptional event that showcased the strength and vitality of the Midwest-Japan relationship.” The annual conference is held alternately in Japan and Midwest states. Indiana previously hosted the event in 2006 and 1989. The conference is designed to promote investment, trade, workforce development, innovation and cultural exchanges between Japan and the Midwest. ...read more read less