OLYMPIA — Beginning May 16, Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is leading a trade mission to Japan seeking to strengthen existing business ties between our economies and forge new ones.
The trip to Tokyo will take place between May 16 – May 27.
Japan is the largest foreign investor in the United States, with interests that align with major drivers of growth and economic activity in Washington state. The trade relationship between Japan and Washington alone is worth $11 billion.
Secretary Hobbs will conduct meetings on behalf of aerospace, agriculture, and shellfish industry leaders who seek to deepen their relationships with Japanese business partners.
Representatives from the Seattle Seahawks, including retired defensive-end Cliff Avril, will join the delegation to engage directly with Japanese fans on behalf of Seattle sports teams.
The trip will also include a showcase of Washington’s tabletop game makers at the Tokyo Game Market, the largest exhibition of its kind in Asia.
“As a champion for Washington businesses, and the US-Japan trade relationship, I want to use my position to open doors and facilitate connections for local industry leaders in markets of opportunity,” said Secretary Hobbs. “The success of our homegrown businesses translates to the success of our regional economy, benefitting all Washingtonians.”
While in Japan, Secretary Hobbs will conduct meetings with Japanese industry leaders, including:
- Meeting with vital aerospace suppliers, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Subaru Corporation
- Meeting with the president of Boeing Japan
- Meeting with Microsoft Japan
- Meeting with representatives from the Japan External Trade Organization, which works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and other countries
- Meeting with leaders from Japan’s tabletop gaming industry
- Connecting with the Japanese American Football Association
State Representative Chris Corry, State Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, representatives from the Washington Department of Commerce, Impact Washington, Boeing, Economic Alliance Snohomish County, and the Clallam Economic Development Council, alongside business leaders from the tabletop gaming industry will also join Secretary Hobbs on his trip.
Quotes:
“Japan is a vital partner in the global aerospace supply chain. This trade mission is focused on strengthening relationships, advancing technical collaboration, and supporting innovation across aerospace manufacturing. Washington State’s leadership in aerospace manufacturing makes this mission a natural extension of Impact Washington’s work to support global collaboration and innovation for manufacturers. Impact Washington will be represented on the ground in Tokyo by Maddie Merton, Account Executive, to engage directly with industry partners and stakeholders.”
— Kelley Sowards, President & Center Director, Impact Washington
“The Seahawks are proud to participate in Washington state’s trade visit as we seek to further engage directly with our fans across Japan. Through our Global 12s Everywhere fan engagement program, we’re proud to continue growing the Seahawks’ presence abroad and celebrate how sports can enhance the strong cultural connection between Seattle and Japan.” — Isabelle Van Coevorden, managing director of global markets for the Seattle Seahawks
“Washington’s relationship with Japan is one of our most important international partnerships, supporting jobs and economic growth across our state. This trade mission is an opportunity to deepen those ties, open new markets for Washington businesses, and strengthen key industries—from agriculture and advanced manufacturing to technology and clean energy. For communities across our state, including those in my district, that means more investment, more exports, and more opportunities to compete globally. I’m proud to support this effort to ensure Washington remains a leader in international trade.” — Washington State Representative Chris Corry
“As one of only five Japanese American elected members of the state Legislature, I am thrilled to represent both the Nikkei community and the state of Washington on this mission to strengthen the bonds between our state and Japan. Washington state is one of the top ten states that depends on thriving trade relations so we prize our long-standing commercial ties to Japan, our third largest trading partner. In 2024, nearly 25,000 Washington jobs depended on this two-way trade relationship valued at $11.1 billion.” — Washington State Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos
“Building on the success of 2024, we enthusiastically support Washington’s public-private mission to Japan. Japanese airlines continue to choose Boeing, most recently receiving our newest aircraft, and Japanese suppliers are investing in Washington—supporting local employment and joint innovation. This mission both strengthens the longstanding partnership between Washington State and Japan and advances innovation, trade, and collaboration across aerospace and related sectors, delivering lasting benefits for communities on both sides of the Pacific.” — Boeing Japan President Eric John
“Shellfish farming has been an essential part of Washington’s coastal communities for generations. It supports local jobs, small businesses, and a sustainable seafood economy. The strength of our industry today also comes from more than a century of partnership, innovation, and knowledge exchange with Japanese shellfish growers. Their techniques, stewardship practices, and cultural connection to shellfish helped shape and strengthen aquaculture in the Pacific Northwest. That exchange of ideas, techniques, and culture helped build one of the most successful shellfish regions in the world, and it remains a powerful example of how international partnerships can strengthen both communities and local economies” — Spokesperson, Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association