State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Strengthens High-Tech, Energy, and Agriculture Partnerships in Japan
TOKYO, Japan – Governor Greg Gianforte today met with business and government leaders in Japan to strengthen and expand partnerships in in the high-tech, energy, and agriculture sectors, promoting Montana’s strong business climate and interest to encourage innovation and further trade.
“Montana and Japan share a long history of partnership rooted in respect, innovation, and opportunity,” Governor Gianforte said. “We’re building on that foundation by expanding our collaboration in technology, energy, and agriculture to create more good-paying jobs and investment in Montana and Japanese communities.”
Gov. Gianforte meeting with representatives from the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry in Tokyo
Meeting with representatives of Keidanren, Japan’s largest and most influential business federation, the governor highlighted Montana’s pro-business environment, growing innovation economy, and strong ties with Japan through education, trade, and investment. The discussion focused on expanding collaboration in advanced manufacturing, bioscience, and photonics, with participants from the Montana Department of Commerce, the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance, and the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center joining the meeting.
Montana ranks sixth in the nation for bioscience industry growth over the last five years, and fifth in the nation for growth in academic research and development expenditures. Globally, the photonics industry is estimated to be worth $1.75 trillion and is an enabling technology that contributes more than $16 trillion to global GDP. Montana has one of the highest per capita concentrations of companies in the United States specializing in optics, photonics, and quantum technology and a strong history of working with Japan and Korea with some business partnerships having been established for over 30 years.
Continuing the day, the governor met with the Navajo Transitional Energy Company and thanked Japanese energy partners including JERA Co., Japan's largest power generation company, Joban Railway Line, and Mitsubishi Corporation RtM Japan for purchasing Montana coal and reaffirmed Montana’s commitment to continue to serve as a reliable supplier of clean, abundant energy. Montana holds the largest recoverable coal reserves in the U.S., about 30% of the country’s total, and mines approximately 26 million metric tons of coal each year, exporting about half of that primarily to Asian markets through Canadian ports.
“Montana has long been a global leader in providing dependable energy,” the governor said. “We’re committed to ensuring a stable supply of coal and to growing the partnerships that power communities here in Japan and back home in Montana.”
Continuing his meetings in Tokyo, the governor met with executives from Nippn Foods, Japan's leading manufacturer of flour and a longtime Montana investor that owns and operates Pasta Montana in Great Falls. Thanking the company for its decades of investment and commitment to Montana wheat, the governor presented a plaque of appreciation to President and CEO Toshiya Maezuru.
“Montana wheat is world-renowned for quality and reliability,” the governor said. “We’re grateful to Nippn Foods for your partnership and investment that strengthen both our economies.”
Gov. and First Lady Gianforte presenting a plaque of appreciation to Nippn Foods President and CEO Toshiya Maezuru (middle) in Tokyo, joined by members of the Montana delegation and representatives of Nippn Foods
Later, the governor met with Vice Minister Takehiko Matsuo of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) to discuss opportunities for cooperation in photonics, quantum technology, and advanced manufacturing. Accompanied by Montana business leaders, the governor invited the vice minister and METI leadership to visit Montana to explore potential collaboration in emerging technology and innovation.
The day concluded with a Montana Appreciation Reception, where the governor joined more than 100 guests to celebrate longstanding partnerships between Montana and Japan. The event recognized key contributors to Montana’s agricultural, educational, and technology sectors, including Dr. Hideki Ebihara, Director of the Department of Virology at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, for his foundational work advancing Montana’s bioscience industry.
Building on decades of friendship, the governor’s meetings in Japan strengthened ties that continue to drive investment, innovation, and opportunity for both Montana and Japan. The governor’s trade mission continues tomorrow in Japan.
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