2025 11 18 City Council Regular Session Packet

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47th Annual SEUS-Japan Conference 
and Joint Meeting Report  
Event Overview 
The 47th Annual Joint Meeting of the Japan-U.S. Southeast & Southeast U.S./Japan 
Associations was held on October 28–29, 2025, at Hotel New Otani in Tokyo, Japan, 
under the theme: 'Shaping the Future with Partnership, Innovation, and Growth.' 
This prestigious event brought together 440 delegates, including government 
officials, business leaders, and industry experts from Japan and the seven Southeast 
U.S. states.
 
Key Participants 
Japan Leadership: Mr. Masaaki Tsuya, Mr. Matsuo Takehiko, Mr. Norihiko Ishiguro, 
His Excellency Mr. Shigeo Yamada. Southeast U.S. Leadership: Governors Josh Stein 
(NC), Brian Kemp (GA), Bill Lee (TN), and other state leaders. Special Guests 
included Consuls General and industry leaders from DENSO, Aflac, Astroscale, Space 
BD, and others.
 
Conference Highlights 
Opening remarks emphasized partnership, innovation, and growth. Panel sessions 
included 'Strengthening Ties' on bilateral partnerships and 'Next Horizons 
Together' on U.S.-Japan collaboration in the New Space Economy. Special features 
included a luncheon interview with Takeshi Hakamada, CEO of ispace Inc., and a 
Higher Education Session on accelerating technology and business development.
 
McMinn County EDA Participation 
Representatives from McMinn County Economic Development Authority and the 
City of Athens joined Tennessee’s delegation led by Governor Bill Lee and 
Commissioner Stuart McWhorter. Key engagements included meetings with DENSO 
Corporation and networking with global leaders to explore opportunities in 
advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and cultural exchange.
 
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