Commerce Secretary Chuck Goodrich’s visit to Tokyo and Nagoya will focus on automotive, advanced manufacturing and longstanding business relationships.
INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 15, 2026) — Indiana is expanding its economic partnership with Japan through a business development trip aimed at strengthening investment relationships, supporting workforce development and creating new job and wage opportunities for Hoosiers.
Under Governor Mike Braun’s leadership, Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich will travel to Tokyo and Nagoya to meet with Japanese companies operating in Indiana and Indiana businesses with facilities in Japan.
The trip follows September’s 56th annual joint meeting of the Midwest-U.S. Japan Association and the Japan-Midwest Association, which brought approximately 500 attendees to Indianapolis.
Japan Remains Indiana’s Largest Foreign Investor
Japan-based businesses operate in 60 of Indiana’s 92 counties and have committed to investing more than $10 billion in the state since 2005.
Indiana is home to 290 Japanese business facilities supporting nearly 62,000 jobs statewide. Japan accounts for more than 27% of Indiana’s international businesses, making it the state’s largest foreign investor. According to the state, Indiana also leads the nation in Japanese investment per capita.
Governor Braun said the visit will build on a nearly 40-year partnership that has supported career opportunities, talent development and community investment, particularly in automotive and advanced manufacturing.
“Japanese businesses like Subaru, Toyota and Honda have had a lasting impact on our state’s communities and economy,” Braun said.
Business Meetings Target Automotive and Advanced Manufacturing
Goodrich’s itinerary includes meetings with Indiana’s three Japanese automotive original equipment manufacturers: Subaru Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation and Honda Motor Company.
He will also meet with executives from Aisin Corporation, Toyota Industries Corporation and Toyota Tsusho Corporation, each of which has longstanding operations in Indiana.
Additional meetings include Eli Lilly and Company, which operates in Japan, and NTT Data Group, a subsidiary of NTT and the official technology partner of the NTT IndyCar Series and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The discussions will focus on maintaining business relationships and advancing opportunities across industry, investment and workforce development.
Goodrich described Japan as Indiana’s most prominent international partner and said the visit will reinforce the state’s commitment to job and wage growth.
Recent Japanese Investments Expand Indiana’s Industrial Base
The trip comes as Japanese businesses advance several major manufacturing investments across Indiana.
Toyota Material Handling North America completed a $100 million factory in Columbus, celebrated by Governor Braun in August. The facility paves the way for 140 new jobs.
In March, Toyota announced a $200 million investment in its Princeton facility to expand production capacity for the Grand Highlander SUV. The company also marked its 30th anniversary of operating in Indiana this year.
Nippon Steel is investing $3.1 billion in the newly acquired U.S. Steel Gary Works facility, modernizing the plant to support long-term growth.
Meanwhile, Sustainea, a joint venture between Japan-based Sojitz and Brazil-based Braskem, announced plans to establish its first U.S. operation in Indiana. The project represents a $400 million investment and is expected to create 191 jobs.
Together, these projects illustrate the breadth of Indiana’s Japanese business relationships, spanning automotive production, material handling, steel and industrial manufacturing.
Continued Engagement Supports Long-Term Partnerships
The visit builds on ongoing exchanges between Indiana and Japan. Along with hosting the September association meeting, Governor Braun has welcomed Japanese elected officials and business delegations to the Indiana Statehouse.
Those engagements have included the governor of Gunma Prefecture and a Gunma business delegation representing advanced manufacturers and automotive suppliers.
Goodrich will be accompanied by his wife and supported by two representatives from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Indianapolis office and one representative from its Tokyo office.
The trip is expected to cost up to $25,000, with most expenses covered through existing Indiana Economic Development Foundation funds. Goodrich and his wife will personally cover their own travel-related expenses.
About the Indiana Office of Commerce
Created by Governor Mike Braun and led by Secretary Chuck Goodrich, the Indiana Office of Commerce aligns and accelerates the state’s economic development efforts.
Media Contact:
Hope Orono, Indiana Economic Development Corporation
317.671.1796 | hoorono@iedc.in.gov
