Hawaii Officials Seek Business and Tech Collaborations in Japan

HONOLULU (Hawaii News Now) – This week, leaders from Hawaii are visiting Japan to investigate new business alliances and technological advancements that may create economic opportunities for the islands. According to the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT), Japan ranks as Hawaii’s second-largest export market and its foremost import supplier.

On Wednesday, DBEDT collaborated with the U.S.-Japan Council and the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR) to conduct a roundtable in Tokyo. The following day, a symposium will be held to unite government, business, and sector leaders to discuss future U.S.-Japan partnerships. DBEDT Director James Tokioka highlighted the potential benefits of partnering with Japanese firms like Mitsufuji, which integrates technology with local apparel businesses to enhance fashion with innovative manufacturing approaches.