Japan-America Society of Alabama (JASA) hosted the NAJAS/KKC Business Speaker Series. In addition to the two business speakers, representatives of the Alabama Department of Commerce, the National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS), and Keidanren USA also gave comments to the 66 attendees.

Mr. Mark Moore, General Manager of Topre America Corporation, provided his perspective as a U.S. executive working for Japanese automotive manufacturers for over three decades. He oversees new model project management and innovation projects for the U.S. business units located in Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Ohio. He shared his experiences and appreciation for the cultural differences between Japan and Alabama. He then gave an overview of Topre’s expansion in Alabama, its facilities in Japan, and its international presence in China, India, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Mr. David Sides, International Trade Manager of the Alabama Department of Commerce, offered background on Alabama’s international ecosystem and its efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), notably, Japan’s FDI of $96 million which resulted in the generation of nearly 100 direct jobs in Alabama in 2023. The bilateral trade between Japan and Alabama amounted to $2.4 billion in 2023.

Mr. Hiro Kagohashi, Executive Vice President of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM), shared his perspectives and experiences as a Japanese executive operating a business in Alabama. He focused on the joint venture of automotive production initiated in 2018 with Toyota Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation. He explained that both firms share a cultural commitment to respect their community and a corporate passion for automotive production. While manufacturing different product lines, the companies share resources in the areas of environmental sustainability, technology, safety, and supply chain management. He underlined that MTM values ‘learning from others for self-improvement’ and sustains a long-term commitment to business in the U.S.