About The Conference

The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference is an annual joint meeting of the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association and the Japan-Midwest U.S. Associations focused on increasing cooperation between Japan and U.S. Midwest states to reinforce the economic, political, and cultural ties that link the national economy of Japan with the regional economy of the Midwest.

Indiana and Japan

Indiana’s relationship with Japan dates back more than a century, beginning with early educational exchanges that set the foundation for today’s deep economic and cultural ties. Japan is Indiana’s largest source of foreign direct investment, with more than 290 Japanese business facilities supporting nearly 62,000 Hoosier jobs. Indiana also leads all U.S. states in Japanese investment per capita and is one of only two states home to three Japanese automotive OEM facilities. Japan consistently ranks among Indiana’s top import and export partners, and leading Indiana companies count Japan as a significant overseas market. Complementing these economic ties, Indiana and Japan share a sister state relationship with Tochigi Prefecture and 15 sister city and prefectural partnerships.  These relationships, along with numerous university, educational, and cultural exchanges, further strengthen the state’s long-standing and vibrant relationship with Japan.

Midwest U.S.-Japan Association

Founded in 1967, the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association (MWJA) is comprised of 11 member States including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin. Membership in the MWJA is supported by state governments that cooperate within the MWJA to increase understanding throughout the Midwest business community of Japan’s markets and resources, to showcase the Midwest as America's most dynamic business environment, and to develop knowledge in Japan of foreign direct investment opportunities in Midwest communities and the export potential of Midwest companies.