East Asia Economic Mission Trip Daily Recap - 10.17.23
Governor Phil Murphy Meets With Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Reaffirming Special Bond Between New Jersey and Japan
First Lady Tammy Murphy Headlines Key Events Highlighting the Vital Role of Women in Today’s Economy
Tokyo, Japan - On the final day of the Japan portion of the Governor-led Choose New Jersey economic mission to East Asia, Governor Murphy met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, where he highlighted the deep economic and cultural partnership between New Jersey and Japan.
Governor Murphy Meets with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida, Highlights Special Bond
On Tuesday, Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy sat down with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida where they discussed ways to strengthen economic and cultural ties between New Jersey and Japan. Governor Murphy praised the Prime Minister for strengthening Japan’s relationship, not only with the United States, but with South Korea as well, stating that history will reflect kindly on his leadership.
New Jersey Research Universities and Japan’s Top Universities, Major Manufacturing Company Sign Memorandums of Understanding to Advance Research and Development Collaborations
Governor Murphy celebrated the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between New Jersey and Japan’s top research universities and Sekisui Chemical, a prominent manufacturing company. The MOUs signed between Rowan University and Sekisui Chemical and Rowan University and Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) expand research and development capabilities for Rowan University students in the manufacturing sector and commission new joint research projects in the technology sector. “New Jersey is the gateway into the American marketplace and we are eager to welcome our friends from Japan to join us in building a better, greener future—and creating generations of good-paying jobs in the process,” said Governor Murphy. An MOU was also signed by Kean University and Osaka University to endorse and reaffirm an earlier Agreement on Academic Cooperation in an effort to collaborate in areas such as student exchanges, research, and organizing symposia.
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Governor Murphy Makes the Case for New Jersey to Japanese Businesses
Governor Murphy and the New Jersey delegation met with Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), an economic organization with over 1,500 Japanese member companies, where Governor Murphy, Wes Mathews, and Tim Sullivan showcased New Jersey’s growing advanced manufacturing and food industries. Welcoming remarks were given by Shigeru Hayakawa, Chair of the Committee on U.S. Affairs at Keidanren and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Toyota Motor Corporation. This event allowed New Jersey’s business leaders to develop and expand their business network in Japan and emphasized New Jersey’s rich ecosystem of food and beverage companies and vibrant community of manufacturers. Hiroki Koga, CEO and Co-Founder of Oishii, the world’s first and largest indoor vertical strawberry farm, also spoke about Oishii’s home in Jersey City.
First Lady Tammy Murphy Shines Spotlight on Vital Role of Women in Workforce at American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) Luncheon
First Lady Tammy Murphy met with female leaders of the ACCJ where she shared how vital women are to the broader economy, particularly in New Jersey. “As women, we have the power to make change, and I am proud to say we have made important progress in New Jersey.” The First Lady highlighted her commitment to combat New Jersey’s maternal and infant health crisis as well as growing opportunities for women in business. She urged these women leaders to be bold, “as women, we must lead the way to enact the changes we want to see. We must challenge outdated ways of thinking. As successful leaders and entrepreneurs, you are showing the world what women can do and setting new standards for the workplace.”
First Lady Tammy Murphy Delivers Remarks at Japan Women’s University
First Lady Murphy delivered a speech at Japan Women’s University, the oldest and largest of the private Japanese women's universities in the country. The First Lady touted the progress that’s been made in New Jersey to support women - equal pay for equal work, doubling the amount of paid family leave, and the first women-majority cabinet in New Jersey’s nearly 250-year history - but she also acknowledged the significant challenges that remain for women in the United States and around the world. She was joined at the event by Ryoko Imaichi, the Chairwoman of Japan Women’s University.
Governor Murphy and First Lady Tour Fujitsu
Governor Murphy, First Lady Murphy, and members of the delegation visited Fujitsu where they toured Kawasaki's research and manufacturing facilities, experiencing Fujitsu's innovative technology.
Please visit choosenj.com/EastAsiaMission to learn more and follow coverage of the historic Governor-led economic mission to East Asia.
Members of the media may access photos from the trip here, courtesy of Kevin Sanders at the New Jersey Globe.