Celebrating 50+ Years of US/Japan Relations at the 2026 MWJA Conference
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Pictured Left to right: Kumiko Brunson of Pioneer Realty, Mike Lancioni of KERAMIDA, and Wesley Fleming of KERAMIDA.
Pictured Left to right: Ken Masumoto of Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Mike Lancioni of KERAMIDA
The Midwest US Japan Conference serves as a unique venue for bringing together political and business leaders from America & Japan.
Last week, Vicky Keramida, Founder, CEO, and Chief Technical Officer; Mike Lancioni, President; Nick McCreary, Senior VP, Sustainability; and Wesley Fleming, CFO & Senior Engineer, spent three days at the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference in Indianapolis, IN, where KERAMIDA was a Bronze Sponsor.
The annual conference serves as the principal forum on the growth of bilateral trade and investment between the Midwest and Japan, celebrating over 50 years of US/Japan relations.
“Indiana’s relationship with Japan dates back more than a century, beginning with early educational exchanges that set the foundation for today’s deep economic and cultural ties. Japan is Indiana’s largest source of foreign direct investment, with more than 290 Japanese business facilities supporting nearly 62,000 Hoosier jobs. Indiana also leads all U.S. states in Japanese investment per capita and is one of only two states home to three Japanese automotive OEM facilities. Japan consistently ranks among Indiana’s top import and export partners, and leading Indiana companies count Japan as a significant overseas market. Complementing these economic ties, Indiana and Japan share a sister state relationship with Tochigi Prefecture and 15 sister city and prefectural partnerships. These relationships, along with numerous university, educational, and cultural exchanges, further strengthen the state’s long-standing and vibrant relationship with Japan.”
The conference was a good reminder of how deep and long-standing Japanese business investment is in the Midwest, spanning manufacturing, economic development, and a wide range of industries built over a century.
Our team made valuable connections throughout, and enjoyed spending time with several of our existing Japanese clients. Vicky and Mike also had the pleasure of speaking with Indiana Governor Mike Braun.
A special thank you to Kumiko Brunson of Pioneer Realty, who acted as a guide and interpreter for our team throughout the conference and helped make many valuable introductions.
Three days well spent.
