Utsunomia, Japan (August 3, 2005) – Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and a delegation of state, community, and business leaders visited Indiana’s sister-state, the Tochigi Prefecture, in Japan on Wednesday.

“It is my hope that the relationship between Indiana and Tochigi will continue to strengthen not only in areas of cultural and educational exchanges, but in terms of jobs and future investment,” said Governor Daniels.

The Tochigi Prefecture is home to some of Japan’s largest companies including Honda, Nissan, Cannon, and Bridgestone. Much like Indiana, Tochigi has a strong agricultural and manufacturing base. Governor Daniels and Tochigi Governor Tomikazu Fukada discussed common challenges to their states and the shared need to promote economic development.

Earlier Wednesday, the state delegation toured the historic Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The Shrine was completed in 1636 after nearly twelve and a half years of construction.

Governor Daniels returned to Tokyo for an evening meeting with leaders from Fuji Heavy Industries –

the parent company of Subaru and one of Indiana’s largest Japanese companies. The governor will visit several other Japanese companies that currently have Indiana-based facilities to thank them for their past investment and to sell Indiana as an ideal location for future expansion.

On Thursday, the governor will meet with several other Japanese companies in Tokyo and host a seminar for hundreds of Japanese business leaders focusing on the economic benefits of investing in Indiana.

Fast facts about Indiana’s sister-state relationship with the Tochigi Prefecture

Indiana has been exchanging students, professionals, cultural, and civic leaders with the Tochigi Prefecture since 1978.

Governor Frank O’Bannon established the formal sister-state relationship with Tochigi in 1998.

Tochigi is located about an hour north of Tokyo.

Tochigi’s economy is heavily focused on agriculture and manufacturing. The region’s top agricultural product is strawberries. The area is also home to many automotive and electronics producers.

Photos from Wednesday’s activities can be viewed at: http://www.in.gov/gov/media/index.html

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