OLYMPIA — Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is leading a trade mission to Japan starting Saturday to strengthen business ties and build new connections between the state and one of its top trading partners.
The trip to Tokyo runs May 16-27. Japan is the largest foreign investor in the United States, and the bilateral trade relationship with Washington state is valued at $11.1 billion.
Hobbs will hold meetings on behalf of leaders in the aerospace, agriculture and shellfish industries who want to deepen ties with Japanese partners.
Representatives from the Seattle Seahawks, including retired defensive end Cliff Avril, will join the delegation to engage with Japanese fans. The trip will also feature a showcase of Washington tabletop game makers at the Tokyo Game Market, the largest exhibition of its kind in Asia.
“As a champion for Washington businesses and the U.S.-Japan trade relationship, I want to use my position to open doors and facilitate connections for local industry leaders in markets of opportunity,” Hobbs said. “The success of our homegrown businesses translates to the success of our regional economy, benefiting all Washingtonians.”
While in Japan, Hobbs plans to meet with Japanese industry leaders, including vital aerospace suppliers such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Subaru Corp.; the president of Boeing Japan; Microsoft Japan; representatives from the Japan External Trade Organization; leaders from Japan’s tabletop gaming industry; and the Japanese American Football Association.
Joining Hobbs are state Reps. Chris Corry and Sharon Tomiko Santos, along with representatives from the Washington Department of Commerce, Impact Washington, Boeing, the Economic Alliance Snohomish County, the Clallam Economic Development Council and business leaders from the tabletop gaming industry.
Additional 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,” said Kelley Sowards, president and center director of Impact Washington. “Impact Washington will be represented on the ground in Tokyo by Maddie Merton, account executive.”
“The Seahawks are proud to participate in Washington state’s trade visit as we seek to further engage directly with our fans across Japan,” said Isabelle Van Coevorden, managing director of global markets for the Seattle Seahawks. “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.”
“Washington’s relationship with Japan is one of our most important international partnerships, supporting jobs and economic growth across our state,” said state Rep. Chris Corry. “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.”
“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,” said state Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos. “Washington state is one of the top 10 states that depends on thriving trade relations, and Japan is our third-largest trading partner. In 2024, nearly 25,000 Washington jobs depended on this two-way trade relationship valued at $11.1 billion.”
“Building on the success of 2024, we enthusiastically support Washington’s public-private mission to Japan,” said Boeing Japan President Eric John. “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.”
“Shellfish farming has been an essential part of Washington’s coastal communities for generations,” said a spokesperson for the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association. “The strength of our industry today also comes from more than a century of partnership, innovation and knowledge exchange with Japanese shellfish growers.”
Author: Mario Lotmore
