Georgia and Japan: 50 Years of Commerce and Culture — Debriefing on the 2023 SEUS-Japan Conference

In October, a nearly 50-strong delegation of business and economic development leaders from Georgia visited Tokyo for the first conference the Southeast U.S.-Japan Association has held there in five years.

While the high-level conclave included some insightful content and intense networking, Georgia had a further milestone to celebrate: the 50th anniversary of its Japan office.

Join Global Atlanta, Baker Donelson and the Japan-America Society of Georgia for a debriefing luncheon to hear from some of delegates who made the trip, including Managing Editor Trevor Williams, whose Dispatches will be released as a special report during the event.

Through an interactive conversation and Q&A, you’ll deepen your knowledge of the state’s multifaceted cultural and commercial connections with Japan, hearing from delegates who used the occasion to fan out around the country to places like…

• Tokyo — where SEUS was held, Georgia hosted a reception at the Peninsula Hotel to mark 50 years, and Global Atlanta visited three companies representing various stages of the investment relationship

• Miyoshi — where the Peace Bell at The Carter Center originated and where delegates tasted Carter’s Peanuts and Japanese hospitality at Konu’s Jimmy Carter Center Center

• Hiroshima — where members of the group meditated on peace while visiting the museum and memorial to atomic bomb victims

• Osaka — where a Georgia group continued to thank existing investors and recruit new companies to the state.

• Fukuoka, Atlanta’s Japanese sister city — Where seeds of collaboration were planted in tech and beyond

Confirmed speakers include: 

Sponsor remarks: Bob Johnson, immigration attorney, Baker Donelson, and board member of the Japan-America Society of Georgia

• Trevor Williams, Managing Editor, Global Atlanta (moderator)
• Jim Whitcomb, Chair, Japan-America Society of Georgia
• Jessica Cork, VP of Community Engagement and Communications at YKK, who was honored with the Busbee Award
• Mellissa Takeuchi, Project Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development