Consul General Matsuda Visits Alabama with Ambassador Yamada (November 6-7, 2025)

【November 6】

●Courtesy Visit to Governor Kay Ivey

During the courtesy visit, Ambassador Yamada and Consul General Matsuda exchanged views with Governor Ivey on further strengthening Japan-Alabama relations, including Japanese investment in the state, economic cooperation, educational exchanges, and the recent opening of the Alabama Japan Office in Tokyo in October.

●Visit to Honda

Together with the members of the Alabama-Japan Legislative Exchange Group, the Consul General visited Honda’s facilities and received a briefing on the company’s operations and contributions to the Alabama economy.

●Visit to the Birmingham Museum of Art

Consul General Matsuda and Mrs. Matsuda toured the Birmingham Museum of Art and learned about its collections and cultural programs, including initiatives related to Japanese art.

●Attendance at the Japan-America Society of Alabama Annual Dinner

Together with Ambassador Yamada, Consul General Matsuda and Mrs. Matsuda attended the Annual Dinner hosted by the Japan-America Society of Alabama (JASA).

The event serves as an opportunity to reflect on JASA’s activities over the past year, recognize Japanese companies that have newly entered or expanded their presence in Alabama, and reaffirm the Society’s mission.

It is also the occasion where the Samuel Ullman Award is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to Japan-Alabama relations.

【November 7】

●Visit to Toray

Consul General Matsuda visited Toray Composite Materials America, where he received briefings on carbon fiber R&D and its potential applications and toured the manufacturing plant.

●Visit to Matsuda Toyota

Consul General Matsuda visited Mazda Toyota, where he received briefings on alliance and technical cooperation between the two companies, as well as their future prospects. He also toured the factory where Mazda’s CX-50 and Toyota’s Corolla Cross are manufactured.