Florida Strengthens Economic and Cultural Ties with Japan During 2025 Leadership Mission to Asia

TOKYO, Japan-A Florida Delegation led by Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly visited Tokyo, Japan as part of the 2025 Leadership Mission to Asia. Building on Governor Ron DeSantis' April 2023 trade and cultural mission to Tokyo and the October 2023 SelectFlorida Trade Mission to Japan, the mission advanced Florida's bold strategy to strengthen economic collaboration, drive new investment and reinforce the state's position as an international hub for innovation, talent and growth. The visit centered around the 47^th Southeast U.S./Japan Association (SEUS-Japan) Annual Meeting, a key forum for fostering economic partnerships between Japan and the Southeastern United States.

"The Florida-Japan relationship is deeply rooted in shared economic prosperity and rich cultural heritage," said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. "As we build on this strong foundation, I am optimistic about future opportunities for our two regions to expand trade, increase investment and further our friendship."

"Under Governor DeSantis' leadership, Florida continues to strengthen ties with strategic international partners like Japan," said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. "Trade missions like this one, along with our participation in SEUS-Japan provide valuable opportunities to highlight Florida's economic strengths, connect with Japanese business leaders and reinforce connections that support trade, investment and job creation across Florida."

"Small businesses are the backbone of Florida's economy, and international engagement is essential to helping them grow, compete and thrive," said Greg Britton, SelectFlorida Board Chair and State Director, Florida SBDC Network. "This mission to Japan unlocks new pathways for Florida entrepreneurs-expanding access to international markets, fostering meaningful partnerships and encouraging innovation. These missions continue to be a top priority in our commitment to create more opportunities for small and emerging businesses to succeed on the international stage."

"Florida is leading in building the global infrastructure of space commerce," said Rob Long, president and CEO, Space Florida. "Our mission to Japan underscores Florida's commitment to strengthening international partnerships that drive real investment and opportunity. With Japan's strength in advanced technology and Florida's leadership in aerospace commerce, infrastructure and finance, together we are creating the next era of aerospace growth."

"Florida's relationship with Japan is built on a strong foundation of mutual respect, economic collaboration and cultural exchange," said Interim President of SelectFlorida Matt Swanson. "This mission strengthens those ties and signals to the world that Florida is serious about shaping the future of international trade and innovation. By forging these strategic connections, we're driving long-term growth, attracting high-impact investment and positioning Florida as a leader in the international economy."

The delegation of 37 included, state leaders, economic development organizations, universities, representatives from Florida's ports and the business community. During the visit the delegation participated in business seminars, roundtable discussions and multiple industry panel sessions, further expanding collaboration in manufacturing, aerospace, space, quantum technology and infrastructure between Florida and Japan.

While in Japan, the delegation participated in the Japan-Florida Space Industry Roundtable in partnership with Cross U. This roundtable served as a platform for open dialogue on shared priorities in the aerospace and space industries, fostering stronger institutional ties and potential partnerships. Additionally, the roundtable promoted a deeper exchange and cooperation between the space industry and government and research stakeholders from both sides to identify joint initiatives and future areas of collaboration. During the event, Space Florida, SelectFlorida and FloridaCommerce announced a joint statement with Cross U, marking a significant step toward expanding space industry opportunities between Florida and Japan.

During SEUS-Japan, Florida representatives participated in panel sessions focused on bilateral cooperation, space commercialization, higher education collaboration and the advancement of industry technologies across both regions. These discussions highlighted Florida's growing leadership in sectors critical to our future economy and the importance of expanding international connections.
Florida leadership also met with Governor Izumi Miyazaki of Wakayama, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Florida-Wakayama Sister State Agreement signed in 1995. This Sister State agreement has fostered three decades of friendship and collaboration in trade, tourism, education and cultural exchange.

The state of Florida also announced that ZIPAIR, a subsidiary of Japan Airlines (JAL) is coming to Florida and offering four new nonstop passenger charter flights between Tokyo (NRT) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), catering to Florida-Japan business travel and connecting families and cultures. The announcement is a result of several strategic efforts to further partnership between Florida and Japan including Governor DeSantis' meeting with the leading officials and business leaders from Japan at the November 2022 SEUS-Japan conference in Orlando, Governor DeSantis' April 2023 visit to Japan and the efforts of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority to bring this win to Florida.

The delegation also met with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to discuss shared priorities including trade and investment collaboration, research and workforce development partnerships, and new opportunities in aerospace, advanced manufacturing and life sciences. Florida continues to expand its relationship with Japan through strategic initiatives, including 119 academic joint ventures between Japanese and Florida universities.

Additionally, the delegation hosted a business seminar highlighting Florida's strengths in key sectors including aerospace and aviation, higher education, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. The seminar offered Japanese companies and universities direct insight into opportunities for trade, investment and research with Florida. The delegation also participated in a quantum roundtable discussion, providing a platform to showcase Florida's growing leadership in this emerging industry and highlighting how the state continues to expand quantum research capabilities through public-private collaboration and academic excellence.

Japan is Florida's 8th largest merchandise trading market and 2nd largest merchandise trading market in the Asia-Pacific region, with trade reaching more than $6.8 billion annually. Florida is also home to more than 160 Japanese companies that have invested nearly $9 billion in the state and employ more than 22,000 Floridians.