Alabama officials meet in Nashville to push $10 billion Japanese investment

Alabama officials and Japanese business leaders gathered in Nashville this week for the 2026 Southeast U.S.-Japan Annual Joint Meeting. The event serves as a primary channel for the state to maintain its economic relationship with Japan, one of its most valued international partners. The conference brought together senior executives from Japanese corporations, regional policymakers, and Alabama government staff for a series of discussions and networking sessions.

Liz Filmore, chief of staff to Governor Kay Ivey, addressed the attendees. She cited Japanese investment as a driver of the state's economic success for over 25 years. Filmore noted that since Honda's initial investment in 1999, Japanese companies have placed more than $10 billion in Alabama. Those investments have resulted in the creation of more than 25,000 jobs in the state.

Christina Stimpson, chief officer of global business for the Alabama Department of Commerce, described the delegation as a mix of government, economic development, and industry leaders. She emphasized a shared commitment to building on decades of successful investment. Stimpson pointed to Daikin America as an example of how these partnerships extend beyond the initial capital outlay to support continued economic growth.

High-level dignitaries attended the conference, including Japanese Ambassador to the United States Shigeo Yamada and Consul General of Japan in Atlanta Kenichi Matsuda. U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty also participated in the event. The presence of these officials underscores the political and business importance of the bilateral relationship.

More than 80 Japanese companies currently operate in Alabama. The state has worked to maintain these connections through its new business development office in Tokyo, which opened last year. That office supports existing Japanese firms and helps identify new opportunities for trade and collaboration. Sean Blakeley, who leads the Tokyo office, and Kevin Taylor, executive director of Alabama Industrial Development Training, accompanied the delegation to Nashville.

The annual meeting is now in its 48th year. It provides a structured environment for identifying new avenues for collaboration that benefit both Alabama and Japan. The event concluded with plans for continued engagement between the state's workforce development office and Japanese corporate partners.