Japanese Prime Minister’s Historic Visit to NC State

In a historic moment for North Carolina, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, along with his wife and the Japanese ambassador to the United States, visited NC State’s Centennial Campus last week. This was the first time a foreign head of government had set foot on the university campus since 1954.

Prime Minister Kishida’s visit aimed to further strengthen the long standing partnership between North Carolina and Japan, which has deep roots dating back decades. Japan is the state’s leading foreign investor, and the NC Japan Center plays a crucial role in fostering academic, cultural and economic ties.

Kishida’s visit to NC State was more than a ceremonial stopover; it was a dynamic exchange of ideas, cultures and opportunities. During his visit, Kishida engaged with a diverse range of individuals, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration and educational enrichment.

One of the highlights of the visit was Kishida’s interaction with students from Raleigh’s Exploris Middle School, NC State, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University. This engagement showcased the value of cross-cultural dialogue and the potential for fostering a global mindset among the next generation of leaders. Additionally, the recognition of academic excellence through the Order of the Dogwood award added a significant layer of appreciation for students excelling in Japanese studies.

The visit included a stop at the Nagoya University Global Campus, highlighting the partnership between NC State and Nagoya University. For nearly forty years, this collaboration has been instrumental in facilitating student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and fostering a deeper understanding between Japanese and American academic communities.

Over the decades, the NC Japan Center has played a pivotal role in fostering public and private partnerships, driving economic growth and promoting cultural understanding. Initiatives like the Ajinomoto-USA plant and collaborations with Japanese companies such as HondaJet, Toyota, and FUJIFILM Diosynth have contributed significantly to North Carolina’s economy while strengthening bilateral relations.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Southeast US-Japan (SEUS-Japan) conference scheduled for October promises to be a significant platform for further dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Key stakeholders, including Conference Chair, Sean Suggs of Toyota Battery, and Stephen Sumner, who will coordinate student translators from across the state will help ensure future opportunities for partnership development. 

Study abroad opportunities continue to be a key contributor of academic enrichment, providing students with immersive experiences in Japan’s vibrant culture, language and society. The NC State Study Abroad Office currently offers eight programs in Japan in addition to summer programs offered through Nagoya University such as Automobile Engineering and STEM-based Intensive Learning Programs.