Hello from Osaka, the latest stop on our business development mission to better connect Minnesota to Japanese companies and customers.

Today we went from Tokyo to Kyoto on a bullet train. It is a fascinating way to travel – an exceptionally fast trip that illustrates the incredible economic and societal benefits of investing in future-ready infrastructure.

Before we left Tokyo, we met with a delegation led by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at the Food Style Japan trade show to tour the U.S. Meat Export Federation pavilion, which includes more than 10 companies selling U.S. beef and pork products for the Japanese market. Our colleagues – from the Department of Agriculture, state legislature and the ag sector – are here to promote Minnesota's agriculture industry and celebrate the history of trade between Japan and Minnesota. Japan represents 8% of Minnesota's food and agricultural exports, or about $752 million.

In Kyoto, we visited ARKRAY, Inc., a health and well-being company focused on medical testing systems for hospitals, research institutions, clinics and patients, and functional food materials. Several years ago, ARKRAY moved their United States headquarters from Indiana to Minneapolis to be better-situated with Minnesota's Medical Alley – another important partner joining us on this business development mission. We thanked ARKRAY for helping make Minnesota a global med-tech hotspot and discussed ways we can grow the industry and further support the company in Minnesota.

This trip has been very successful. We have held productive and informative meetings with several important Japanese business and political leaders, and Gov. Walz has highlighted major new commitments from companies investing in Minnesota. We are excited to continue our mission on Thursday before returning home this weekend.

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