The Japan-America Society of North Carolina (JASNC) and The Japan-America Association of South Carolina (JAASC) invited Mr. Daichi Arima, President, Asahi Kasei America, Inc., Mr. John Moyer, Executive Officer for North America & Chairman, Asahi Kasei Plastics North America Inc. and Ambassador Ira Shapiro, Senior Advisor, ASG’s East Asia & Pacific practice to be speakers at its NAJAS/KKC Business Speaker Series event.

Mr. Daichi Arima and Mr. John Moyer gave a brief overview of Asahi Kasei that included a description of their business lines and a history of the company. They discussed their rapid expansion in the U.S. that has been fueled by the strategic acquisitions, many of which have been in the Carolinas. After highlighting the operations that they have in the Carolinas, they finished their presentation by describing some of the challenges they have faced, and continue to face, as they seek to expand their presence in North America.

Ambassador Shapiro has been deeply involved in U.S.-Japan relations for 30 years, having served as chief U.S. trade negotiator with Japan during the Clinton administration. He was able to use this and his experience as General Counsel to United States Trade Representative, where he played a central role in the negotiation and legislative approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), to help explain the different sides of Trans Pacific Partnership, the different approach of President Trump and the outlook for relations between the U.S. and Asia.

The program was closed by Mr. David Robinson, Honorary Consul General of Japan in Raleigh, who emphasized the importance of the business ties between Japan and the Carolinas. The formal program was followed by a cocktail reception, which allowed the members and presenters to continue to network and follow up with questions about the presentations.