His Excellency Ichiro Fujisaki, Ambassador from Japan to the U.S.
His Excellency Ichiro Fujisaki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States of America met with the Utah business community on November 23, 2009. Jason Perry, Chief of Staff for Governor Herbert, welcomed the Ambassador on behalf of the Governor, the Utah Legislature and Utah business leaders. The Ambassador expressed desire for increased business collaboration between Japan and Utah as well as his desire to strengthen our cultural connections. He thanked Utah for historically providing such a hospitable environment to so many people of Japanese heritage.
Elizabeth Goryunova, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, WTCU; His Excellency Ichiro Fujisaki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States of America; Jason Perry, Chief of Staff for Utah's Governor Herbet
Ambassador Fujisaki visited Utah before but this was his first trip to Salt Lake City. Responding to questions from the audience, the Ambassador reflected upon the ways the Japanese government stimulated the economy of Japan in 1990-2000 and mentioned that, in his opinion, stimulus works if properly and thoroughly structured.
Prior to his current post, His Excellency Ichiro Fujisaki served as Ambassador to the UN and held various Director-General posts in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo.
Currently Japan is among the top 10 export destinations for Utah businesses. Utah export to Japan in 2008 reached $3,758,590 with over 20% of that amount being processed foods, closely followed by transportation equipment and chemical manufactures.
Japan Quick Facts:
A major economic power, Japan has the world’s second-largest economy by nominal GDP and the third largest in purchasing power parity. It is also the world’s fourth largest exporter and sixth largest importer. It is also the only Asian country in the G8 and is currently serving as an elected member of the UN Security Council. Although Japan has officially renounced its right to declare war, it maintains a modern and extensive military force which is employed in self-defense and peacekeeping roles. It is a developed country with very high living standards (10th highest HDI). Japan has the highest life expectancy of any country in the world (according to both the UN and WHO estimates) and the third lowest infant mortality rate.
Area: 145,883 sq mi
Population:
2009 estimate – 127,590,000
2004 census – 127,333,002
GDP (PPP) 2008 estimate
- Total $4.356 trillion
- Per capita $34,115
GDP (nominal) 2008 estimate
- Total $4.910 trillion
- Per capita $38,457
