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Japan consul general urges deeper ties with Vermont, cites education and investment links
Summary
The Consul General of Japan told the Vermont House Committee on Commerce & Economic Development on April 30 that longstanding cultural and educational connections and recent investment flows present opportunities to expand trade and people-to-people ties, and suggested events such as a Japan Day to raise public awareness.
The Consul General of Japan spoke to the Vermont House Committee on Commerce & Economic Development on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, urging deeper cultural, educational and economic ties and proposing symbolic events such as a Japan Day to strengthen the relationship.
The consul general, who said his office covers six U.S. states, highlighted long-standing exchanges between Vermont and Japan — including language education at Middlebury College and the University of Vermont and a sister-state relationship with Tottori Prefecture — and described those ties as foundations for more trade and investment. He told the committee, “Japan has been the number 1 investor, on nationwide to to The United States for the last 5 years.”
Committee members and attendees described multi-decade exchanges between Vermont and partners in Japan. The consul general noted the role of longtime local supporters in cultivating ties and said his office would act as a catalyst for partnerships among “necessary stakeholders, supporters, players, and actors” in both places. He referenced Tottori Prefecture as having similarities to Vermont in agricultural activity and education, and said those similarities present “synergetic potential” for collaboration.
The committee chair told the consul general that if he visits the State House the legislature could prepare a formal recognition and said, “If you're coming to the State House, if you let us know ahead of time, we can certainly prepare a resolution.” The consul general also pointed to cultural venues and events — including the recently opened World Expo in Osaka/Kansai — as opportunities to promote Vermont and deepen connections.
No formal committee action or votes were taken during the meeting. Members invited continued engagement and said staff could work with the consul general on potential cultural events and legislative recognition; the committee went off the record while it awaited legislative council.
