Consul-General Watanabe attends Japan-America Society of Tennessee Annual Meeting
2026/6/16
On Friday, June 5, Consul-General Watanabe attended the Annual Meeting of the Japan-America Society of Tennessee, held at Conservation Hall in the Tennessee Executive Residence. Ambassador Shigeo Yamada and Senator Bill Hagerty also attended the meeting.
In his remarks, Consul-General Watanabe noted that this year marks a significant one for Japan-Tennessee relations, as Nashville will serve as the base camp for the Japan national soccer team for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup, and will also host the 48th Annual Joint Meeting between the Southeast U.S./Japan Association and Japan-U.S. Southeast Association in October. He also highlighted that Japan is Tennessee's largest foreign investor, with over 200 Japanese companies operating in the state, contributing more than $20 billion in investment supporting approximately 50,000 jobs. He further emphasized the importance of investing in the next generation to maintain and strengthen the Japan-Tennessee relationship, and in this regard, welcomed the Japan-America Society of Tennessee's decision to create a new membership category to encourage college student participation.
At the fireside chat that followed, Ambassador Yamada and Senator Hagerty took the stage and shared their respective views on Japan-U.S. cooperation in the areas of security and economics, as well as on the Japan-Tennessee relationship.
In his remarks, Consul-General Watanabe noted that this year marks a significant one for Japan-Tennessee relations, as Nashville will serve as the base camp for the Japan national soccer team for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup, and will also host the 48th Annual Joint Meeting between the Southeast U.S./Japan Association and Japan-U.S. Southeast Association in October. He also highlighted that Japan is Tennessee's largest foreign investor, with over 200 Japanese companies operating in the state, contributing more than $20 billion in investment supporting approximately 50,000 jobs. He further emphasized the importance of investing in the next generation to maintain and strengthen the Japan-Tennessee relationship, and in this regard, welcomed the Japan-America Society of Tennessee's decision to create a new membership category to encourage college student participation.
At the fireside chat that followed, Ambassador Yamada and Senator Hagerty took the stage and shared their respective views on Japan-U.S. cooperation in the areas of security and economics, as well as on the Japan-Tennessee relationship.