On July 29, 2026, U.S. CULCON was pleased to host a Regional Summit of U.S.-Japan Related Organizations in New Orleans, LA. The meeting brought together representatives of Japan Societies and Japan-America Societies, business and economic development leaders, colleges and universities, and federal trade and commercial officials from across the region for a discussion about local and regional collaboration across sectors and ways to foster opportunities for U.S.-Japan future talent. U.S. CULCON periodically convenes a Summit of organizations involved in U.S.-Japan relations in various parts of the United States. These meetings provide participants with the opportunity to be informed about a relevant topic, meet other individuals and organizations promoting public diplomacy and people-to-people exchange in the U.S.-Japan ecosystem, share best practices, and problem solve.
The New Orleans Summit offered an opportunity to hear directly from community and business leaders about workforce needs in the region. The U.S.-Japan relationship depends on state and local institutions whose work turns the partnership into investment, jobs, and opportunity in American communities. In Louisiana, Japanese companies maintain a substantial presence in energy and liquefied natural gas, chemicals and advanced manufacturing, and agricultural exports along the lower Mississippi. These are long-term investments that depend on a steady supply of skilled, technically trained American workers. At the same time, Americans with Japanese language abilities and cross-cultural experience are seeking opportunities to apply their talents.
Workforce development was a recurring theme throughout the day’s discussions. Employers from Japan-affiliated companies described demand for workers who bring both technical skills and cross-cultural understanding, recognizing such talent is developed through Japanese language instruction; study abroad and exchange; higher education; as well as internships and apprenticeships matched to real employer need. Participants agreed that language learning and exchange are workforce investments with measurable economic return for communities across the United States. They also discussed the role of regional networks such as Japan Societies and Japan-America Societies, honorary consuls, world trade centers, and national-level coordinating organizations in sustaining the relationships on which investment and
educational partnerships depend. We learned much about the dynamic U.S.-Japan interest and activity in New Orleans and Louisiana and look forward to continued connection and collaboration.