Japan-Midwest summit in Indianapolis spotlights nearly 290 Japanese-owned Indiana facilities and about 62,000 jobs
About 500 leaders from Japan and nine Midwestern states gathered in Indianapolis for a three-day Japan‑Midwest summit, the 56th annual joint meeting hosted by Gov. Mike Braun and organized with the Japan‑America Society of Indiana. The conference highlighted nearly 290 Japanese-owned Indiana facilities employing about 62,000 Hoosiers.
An estimated 500 business, government and academic leaders from Japan and the Midwest met in Indianapolis for a three-day conference, the 56th annual joint meeting of the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association and the Japan-Midwest U.S. Association, according to the Sept. 11, 2026 report. The event was hosted by Gov. Mike Braun and organized with the Japan-America Society of Indiana.
Indiana officials used the summit to emphasize the state's economic ties with Japan, citing nearly 290 Japanese-owned business facilities operating in Indiana that employ about 62,000 Hoosiers. The conference included representatives from about 40 Japanese companies and government/trade organizations, covered advanced manufacturing, life sciences, semiconductors, AI, workforce development and infrastructure, and featured tours of Purdue University and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
BusinessIndy examines this development and its implications for Indiana businesses and communities using the linked sources.
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