Alabama officials in Nashville push Japan trade ties

A group of Alabama government officials and business leaders traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, this week to attend the 2026 Southeast U.S.-Japan Annual Joint Meeting. The delegation aimed to reinforce economic connections with Japan, a top international partner for the state.

Liz Filmore, Chief of Staff to Governor Kay Ivey, represented the governor’s office at the event. She also joined executives from the Alabama Department of Commerce. The gathering is in its 48th year. It convenes senior business and government figures from Japan, along with regional leaders and policymakers.

Japanese companies have played a major role in Alabama’s economy for over 25 years, Filmore told the conference audience. She noted that Honda began investing in the state in 1999. Since that initial deal, Japanese firms have poured more than $10 billion into Alabama projects. Those investments have created more than 25,000 jobs across the state.

Christina Stimpson, the chief officer of global business at the Commerce Department, said the meeting allows the state to maintain these long-standing relationships. She explained that the Alabama delegation included leaders from government, economic development, and industry. This mix reflects a shared goal to build on past successes. Stimpson pointed to Daikin America as an example of a partner that continues to engage with the state beyond its first investment.

High-ranking officials attended the Nashville conference. Shigeo Yamada, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States, was present. Kenichi Matsuda, the Consul General of Japan in Atlanta, also spoke. U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty joined the proceedings. Stimpson said the state values these connections as a way to find new areas for collaboration.

More than 80 Japanese companies currently operate in Alabama. The state maintains a business development office in Tokyo to support these firms and find new trade opportunities. Sean Blakeley, who leads the Tokyo office, traveled with the delegation. Kevin Taylor, executive director of Alabama Industrial Development Training, also attended to discuss workforce support.

The meeting featured a program of speakers and networking sessions. Participants discussed ways to deepen economic bonds between the Southeast region and Japan. The Alabama delegation concluded its participation in Nashville after the scheduled events ended.