Michigan Courts Japanese Investment as JETRO Supports Whitmer’s Trade Mission

LANSING / TOKYO / SINGAPORE, Sept. 24, 2025 — The Japan External Trade Organization, or JETRO, has been at the forefront of Japanese investments in infrastructure development and seamless connectivity projects globally.

Earlier this month, Japan's commitments under a $550 billion investment pledge, made in the process of tariff negotiations with the United States, were outlined in a document signed in Washington. In the backdrop of robust bilateral trade relations between the US and Japan, Michigan has been proactively encouraging investments from Japan.

In terms of the engagement between Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and JETRO representatives, the last three years have seen technology transfer and several other investments by Japanese companies in Michigan.

On September 3, Gov. Whitmer commenced an investment mission to Singapore and Japan, witnessing the first-ever official investment mission by a Michigan governor to Singapore.

Gov. Whitmer’s interest to strike trade deals with Japanese companies and sign pacts with JETRO have been a result of constant trade engagement.

In September 2023, Gov. Gretchen led a seven-day investment mission in Japan.

The focus of the trip was on securing investments in key industries, like mobility, automotive, and advanced manufacturing that will create well-paying jobs and bring critical supply chains to Michigan.

How Important is JETRO’s Role in Michigan Trade Ties?

On September 3 last year, JETRO facilitated a series of meetings between the Japanese companies and representatives from the Michigan state government.

JETRO Chairman Ishiguro held deliberations with Governor Gretchen Whitmer, during which the two dignitaries shared ideas on Michigan’s initiatives to promote innovation, challenges faced by Japanese companies doing business in the United States, and the continued partnership between Japan and Michigan.

Simultaneously, the “Michigan Innovation Seminar” was held at JETRO Headquarters to showcase Michigan’s innovation ecosystem and investment environment, with the mobility sector being a focus. The seminar was attended by approximately 80 participants, including representatives from Japanese companies. During the networking session, 28 one-to-one meetings took place between Japanese companies and representatives from the Michigan state government, businesses, and universities.

How the Investment Mission is Creating Well-Paying Jobs

Second Japan Visit: Gov. Gretchen’s visit to Japan in 2023 was the first Michigan governor’s business visit to the Asian giant since 2017.

Earlier this month, Governor Gretchen kicked off an investment mission to Singapore and Japan, a trip that was led by the Governor herself and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, or MEDC, in partnership with a delegation of public- and private-sector leaders from across the state. MEDC is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing economic development initiatives that drive private investment, job creation, and wage growth in Michigan. 

The focus of the visit was to highlight Michigan’s commitment to strengthening global relationships and welcoming international business investment, even amid economic and federal uncertainty.

Reinforcing Partnerships: Gov. Gretchen and the delegation held one-to-one networking sessions with company executives, government leaders, Michigan university alumni, and trade representatives to highlight Michigan’s competitive advantages, address the impact of tariffs and trade policy shifts, and showcase the state as a stable, attractive destination for investment.

“Singapore is one of the most dynamic economies in the world, a global hub for finance, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy,” said Governor Whitmer. “By making this first-of-its-kind visit, we are opening the door for new trade opportunities, building connections with business leaders, and showing that Michigan is a reliable and innovative partner for the future. At the same time, we will deepen our decades-long relationship with Japan, reinforcing our partnerships in key shared industries. Whether tariffs shift or global markets fluctuate, Michigan remains open for business and eager to collaborate.”

Deep-Rooted Trade Association: In Japan, the delegation attended and participated in the Midwest U.S.–Japan Association Conference, a well-known umbrella body of business and government leaders dedicated to advancing mutual prosperity.

Michigan’s trade connect with Japan runs deep, backed by decades of investment and a robust cross-cultural exchange that includes the sister-state relationship with Shiga Prefecture. Japan ranks as Michigan’s sixth largest trade partner, and the 415 Japanese-owned companies in Michigan support over 37,000 direct jobs and play a major role in the state’s mobility and manufacturing market stronghold.  

“This investment mission reflects both the state’s long foreign direct investment history and our ambitious future. In Japan, we are recommitting to a relationship that has been foundational to our state’s success, while in Singapore, we are laying the groundwork for partnerships that will shape the next chapter of Michigan’s growth,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC.

Japan is Michigan’s 6th largest trade partner, and there are 415 Japanese-owned companies in Michigan supporting over 37,000 direct jobs.

Inputs from Saqib malik

Editing by David Ryder