JETRO USA

Last month, JETRO engaged with senior state and regional economic development leaders across the U.S. at the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit, fostering high-level dialogue focused on expanding investment opportunities and deepening strategic partnerships.

These meetings highlighted shared priorities in industry growth, innovation, and cross-border collaboration, reinforcing JETRO’s commitment to building strong, long-term relationships with key state leadership to support Japanese business expansion in the United States.

Thank you California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), Montana Department of Commerce , Washington State Department of Commerce, Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED), Idaho Department of Commerce, and State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development for all your continued support and collaboration. We look forward to working together more in the future.

[UPDATE 5/28/26] This position has been filled. Thank you to all applicants!
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We're hiring! 🗼 JETRO Chicago is recruiting for a full-time Project Coordinator position in their Business Development Department.

This position focuses on bringing FDI to Japan and creating business alliances between the U.S. and the Midwest, particularly in the biotechnology and advanced manufacturing industries.

Find out more at: https://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/recruitment.html

🍶 Sake 101: Exploring Japan’s UNESCO-Recognized Brewing Heritage
Japanese traditional brewing is inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Join us for a 40-minute introductory seminar and guided tasting exploring:

🌾 The fundamentals of sake brewing
🧫 The essential role of koji mold
🏛 The cultural heritage behind Japan’s traditional alcohol
👃 How to taste with confidence

Perfect for beginners and curious drinkers alike.
Discover the story behind the glass.
Spots are limited—reserve yours now!
🔗 https://sfpl.org/events/2026/03/25/presentation-sake-101-japans-unesco-recognized-traditional-brewing-culture

📆: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
🕛: 5:30-7:00pm
📍: Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room A, Main Library, San Francisco Public Library

The Idaho Department of Commerce and Select USA are hosting "From Potato Chips to Microchips" on May 7-8, an event highlighting Idaho's business environment and and industries. See below for more details:

From Potato Chips to Microchips.

Idaho’s economy has evolved from its agricultural roots into a growing hub for Ag-Tech and semiconductors — and we’re inviting international companies and investors to come see it firsthand.

In collaboration with Select USA, Idaho will host a special two-day investment event on May 7–8 highlighting the state’s innovation, workforce, and business environment. Join us for presentations from state and local leaders at the Idaho State Capitol and industry tours to visit Idaho companies.

Register today! https://forms.viiision.com/253494856419976

JETRO is excited to announce that we have made a significant milestone with the State of Arizona. On March 4th, we signed an MOU with the Arizona Commerce Authority, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and Arizona State University. This agreement aims to strengthen Arizona-Japan collaboration in key Arizona industrial sectors, such as semiconductor manufacturing.

Read more:
https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/news/announcement/2026/c295acc70ea10821.html

Last week, JETRO had the honor of attending the Emperor’s Birthday Reception hosted by the Consular Office of Japan in Portland. At this event, Consul General Ken Todoriki spoke on the significance of Japan-U.S. relations both in the public and private sectors.

Thank you to Idaho State Senator Kelly Anthon and Business Oregon Director Sophorn Cheang for attending and speaking with JETRO SF Chief Executive Director Kanako Watanabe. It is always a pleasure speaking with them both.

JETRO is proud to cultivate and maintain a strong relationship with the Consular Office of Japan in Portland, Business Oregon, the State of Oregon, and the State of Idaho. We look forward to continuing to strengthen relations between the U.S. and Japan together.

Last week, JETRO brought a Japanese delegation up the mountains of Colorado to visit the emerging quantum hub of Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University, and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). At NIST, we highlighted the foundational importance of measurement science to our delegation.

We were also given the opportunity to tour the active construction site at CSU's ATLAS facility, supported by the City of Fort Collins.

Thank you to Maybell Quantum, CoorsTek, and Atom Computing for welcoming us. We were excited to showcase the complementary differences between the U.S. and Japan in the quantum field, noting Japan’s unique strengths in precision manufacturing, advanced materials science, and cryogenic engineering—key capabilities that align closely with next‑generation quantum technologies.

We extend our deepest thanks to Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), whose consistent support and engagement were instrumental in the success of this mission.

Thank you also to the Consulate-General of Japan in Denver, JBAR, Sakura Square LLC, and the UC Boulder Center of Asian Studies for welcoming us. And congratulations to the Japan America Society of Colorado for another successful Japan Currents Event 🇯🇵.

Last week, the Consul General of Japan in Seattle IYORI Makoto welcomed a twenty-member delegation from the State of Montana to his residence for a lunch reception with key representatives from Japan.

The Montana group was led by Marta Bertoglio, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, and included senior members of the Montana Ambassadors, the Montana World Affairs Council, the Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance, Headwaters Tech Hub, and leaders from Montana’s business, technology, education, and community‑engagement sectors.

Japan was represented by Consul General IYORI, the JETRO San Francisco Office led by Chief Executive Director Kanako Watanabe, and senior executives from Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), and Sojitz Corporation of America.

Thank you to the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle and CG IYORI for all their work organizing this event. And thank you to the entire Montana delegation for joining us. We look forward to continuing to strengthen Japan-Montana relations together in the future!

2 DAYS LEFT OF ! 💥 If you haven't had the chance yet, make sure to swing by the JAPAN PAVILION to see the latest & greatest Japanese startups at CES!

Today, we're hosting 3 pitch events at the Japan Pavilion event stage:
11:30-12:00 – Ask Me Anything: Lifestyle
1:30-2:00 – Use-Case Showcase: AI/Lifestyle
3:30-4:00 – Ask Me Anything: Entertainment

For more details about the Japan Pavilion at CES 2026, please visit: https://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/topics/ces-2026.html

Join JETRO! 🗼

JETRO New York is recruiting for a full-time Economic Development Associate and Researcher in our Research and Information Services Department.

We are seeking a bilingual professional (Japanese/English) with a strong proficiency in Japanese, who is passionate about fostering economic relationships between the U.S. and Japan.

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