Governor Jim Pillen has concluded a productive trade mission to Japan, aimed at deepening Nebraska’s economic, cultural, and educational connections with one of its key international partners. The visit included meetings with major Japanese importers, promotion of Nebraska-made biofuels, and high-level discussions on expanding bilateral cooperation.
“Japan is one of Nebraska’s top customers for value-added agricultural products, and the potential to grow this relationship is immense,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “Particularly, we see enormous opportunities in meeting Japan’s rising demand for ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel. Nebraska, with its ability to produce the world’s lowest-carbon corn ethanol, is in a prime position to expand in this market.”
On Monday in Tokyo, Gov. Pillen addressed a group of ethanol buyers at an event hosted by the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Grains Council. He promoted Nebraska’s biofuel industry, highlighting its sustainability and global competitiveness. The timing aligns with Japan’s November 2024 announcement of plans to increase ethanol blending in gasoline, targeting 10% by 2030 and 20% by 2040. This policy would significantly increase the country’s ethanol use, as Japan blended less than two percent of ethanol with gasoline in 2024, one of the lowest percentages in the developed world
U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass also spoke at the event, emphasizing the Midwest’s capacity to support Japan’s clean energy goals. Presentations from the Nebraska Corn Board and Union Pacific further highlighted the state’s sustainable agriculture and its central role in national transportation infrastructure.
Earlier in the day, Gov. Pillen spoke at the Midwest-Japan Association conference, an annual event that rotates between Japan and the United States. His remarks focused on Nebraska’s strengths in agriculture and manufacturing, offering a compelling case for Japanese investors and business partners.
On the final day of the trade mission, the Nebraska delegation visited executives at Kawasaki to express appreciation for the company’s long-standing investment in the state. Kawasaki has operated a major manufacturing plant in Lincoln since 1974, producing a wide range of vehicles and railcars. The facility now spans nearly 1.3 million square feet. In 2018, the company secured a $1.4 billion contract to produce 535 subway cars for New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). That contract has since expanded, reaching $4.5 billion for 1,610 railcars as of February 2025.
Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy, remains a vital trade partner for Nebraska. According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, Nebraska exported $699 million worth of goods to Japan in 2024. The state established its first international office, Nebraska Center Japan, in 2006 to serve as a hub for Japanese companies exploring opportunities in Nebraska.
