On the Ground in Japan: Key Takeaways From the 2025 California-Japan Trade Mission

From September 28 to October 4, the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce and CalAsian Foundation, in partnership with the New California Coalition, BizFed, LAEDC, and the WTCLA, led a dynamic delegation of California leaders, innovators, and elected officials to Tokyo and Osaka for the 2025 California-Japan Trade Mission. The week-long journey was a powerful reminder of the strength of global partnerships and the shared commitment between California and Japan to build connected, inclusive, innovative, and productive economies for all.

Here are our top takeaways from an unforgettable week of diplomacy, discovery, and collaboration:

A Warm Welcome from the U.S. Embassy Tokyo

The mission officially launched with a high-level “Welcome to Japan” briefing at the United States (US) Embassy in Tokyo, where senior officials provided timely insights into the evolving US-Japan trade and diplomatic landscape. Delegates received updates on the recently signed US-Japan trade agreement, learned about Japan’s economic priorities, and discussed opportunities for California businesses to engage in sectors like clean energy, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. The Embassy’s warm welcome and strategic overview set the tone for a week of meaningful engagement.

California’s Leadership on Display

The delegation was bolstered by a distinguished group of state and regional elected officials, each with an interest in key policy areas aligned with the mission’s focus areas: infrastructure resiliency, sustainability, and food and beverage. Their presence amplified California’s leadership on the global stage and opened doors to high-level conversations with Japanese counterparts.

Elected Officials Included:

• CA State Treasurer Fiona Ma
• Majority Leader Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
• API Caucus Chair Assemblymember Mike Fong
• Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, Chair, Select Committee on Ports & Goods Movement
• Assemblymember Joe Patterson, Vice Chair, Select Committee on Utilities & Energy
• Assemblymember Jose Solache, Chair, Economic Development, Growth, and Housing Impact (EDGHI)
• Mayor Rex Richardson, City of Long Beach
• Cindy Allen, President, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)
• Commissioner Jason Hodge, Oxnard Harbor District

Their expertise and thought leadership in forums, site visits, and bilateral meetings helped elevate California’s voice in discussions around infrastructure resiliency, energy & sustainability, and food & beverage.

Smart Cities, Flying Cars, and the Future of Infrastructure

Japan’s commitment to smart infrastructure and mobility was on full display throughout the mission. A highlight was the Tokyo-California Smart City Exchange at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and the Tokyo Innovation Base, where delegates explored cutting-edge approaches to urban planning, disaster resilience, and AI integration.

California innovation was on full display during our day trip to Osaka on October 2, where we were hosted as VIP guests by Joby Aviation at the World Expo. Delegates witnessed the launch of Joby’s revolutionary “flying car” taxis — an inspiring glimpse into the future of sustainable, autonomous transportation. The experience sparked conversations about how California can accelerate its own mobility innovations through global partnerships.

Ports, Trade, and Logistics: A Shared Priority

California and Japan share a deep economic bond, anchored by robust trade through their respective port systems as well as the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Port of Yokohama and our California Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Hueneme. Our engagement with the Port & City of Yokohama, the Harbor Bureau, and Mizuho Bank provided valuable insights into Japan’s advanced infrastructure and operational efficiency. These engagements highlighted opportunities for collaboration in port modernization, green shipping technologies, and emergency preparedness — critical areas as both regions face increasing climate-related challenges.

Food, Beverage, and Cultural Exchange

California’s world-renowned agricultural and culinary sectors found enthusiastic partners in Japan’s vibrant food and beverage industry. Delegates toured the Tea Culture Creation Museum, were welcomed by the Son of the Tuna King himself at Sushi Zanmai, engaged with Japanese companies — including ITOEN — from Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka to explore new business opportunities.

Beyond business, the mission offered rich cultural experiences, including a full Cultural Day on October 1, where delegates explored Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district, the Imperial East Garden, and the Ginza shopping district. These moments of cultural immersion deepened our understanding of Japan’s traditions and strengthened the personal connections that underpin successful international partnerships.

Cultural Day: Treasures of Tokyo

Delegates spent a vibrant Cultural Day exploring Tokyo’s rich heritage. The journey began in Asakusa with a visit to Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, surrounded by traditional shops and the lively Nakamise-dori street. Delegates then strolled through the tranquil Imperial Palace East Gardens and toured the Tokyo National Museum, where centuries of Japanese art and artifacts offered insight into the nation’s cultural legacy.

The day concluded in the upscale Ginza district, where delegates experienced Japan’s blend of tradition and modernity through luxury shopping, striking architecture, and local cuisine. These cultural experiences deepened personal connections and enriched the mission’s broader diplomatic and economic goals.

Building Bridges Across the Pacific

The California-Japan Trade & Investment Forum, hosted at the Keidanren-Kaikan Building, brought together top Japanese business leaders, government officials, and California delegates to identify strategic opportunities for partnership between California and Japan. This was then followed by the Pathways to Partnership: California & Japan program hosted by Pasona and MUFG, where the California delegation explored how to turn those high-level opportunities into business realities through the lenses of finance (MUFG), people (Pasona), and place (Gensler).

Pasona, a leading Japanese human resources and staffing firm with a growing presence in California, facilitated a dynamic exchange with regional business and government leaders at their reception, sparking new ideas around workforce development and cross-border collaboration.

MUFG, one of the top five largest banks in the world, played a pivotal role in the mission’s closing dinner. We were honored to be joined by Masatoshi Komoriya, Chair of the Board, whose rousing remarks underscored the importance of long-term investment and friendship between our regions.

These engagements reinforced the importance of face-to-face diplomacy in forging long-term partnerships. From innovative financing strategies to the development of the workplace, the conversations held during the mission laid the groundwork for future collaboration and investment between our respective regions.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 California-Japan Trade Mission was a powerful reminder of the value of showing up — in person, with purpose, and with a shared vision. As California continues to lead on climate action, inclusive economic growth, and technological innovation, our partnerships with global allies & friends like Japan are more important than ever.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors — United Airlines, PG&E, DoorDash, US Bank, MUFG, Pasona, Joby Aviation, Delta, Port of Long Beach, Sunstone, and the Port of Los Angeles — and to every delegate who contributed to the success of this mission!