San Diego-Japan Business Forum
2026/3/17
On March 9, the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles hosted the San Diego-Japan Business Forum in San Diego. The event brought together Japanese and U.S. companies and research institutions in the San Diego area with the aim of enhancing the presence of Japanese companies in San Diego, promoting collaboration between businesses, creating opportunities for future joint projects and investment, and encouraging investment in Japan.
●Event Overview
Date and Time: Monday, March 9, 2026, 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Venue: University Club San Diego
Organizers: Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation/World Trade Center San Diego
The seminar began with opening remarks by Honorary Consul Kate Leonard, followed by a presentation on the investment environment in the San Diego region by Executive Director Nikia Clarke of World Trade Center San Diego, one of the co-hosts. This was followed by a presentation by Akira Kajita, Chief Executive Director of the JETRO Los Angeles Office, on market entry to Japan, and a presentation by Miwako Waga, Senior Director for Innovation Outreach at UC San Diego (UCSD), on UCSD’s industry-academia collaboration initiatives.
In the panel discussion session, moderated by Senior Director Waga, speakers from four Japanese and U.S. companies (1. Scientist.com, 2. Qualcomm, 3. Nitto Denko Technical Corporation, and 4. Daiichi Sankyo) participated in a panel discussion covering topics such as the benefits and challenges of selecting San Diego and Japan as bases, future growth strategies, and best practices for market expansion.
During the panel discussion, speakers shared insights regarding the Japanese market’s technological excellence but lengthy decision-making processes; the decision to establish a base in San Diego to facilitate collaboration with research institutions and startups; and the importance of understanding cultural differences between Japan and the U.S. and building trust as the key to successful business in both countries.
Following the seminar, a networking reception began with remarks by San Diego City Mayor Todd Gloria and Consul General Murota. Additionally, booths were set up by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Port of San Diego, San Diego International Airport, U.S. financial institutions, universities in San Diego County, and JETRO featuring various business-related exhibits aimed at promoting mutual understanding of the economies and investment opportunities between Japan and the U.S. Furthermore, restaurants from San Diego County served a variety of Japanese sake.
●Event Overview
Date and Time: Monday, March 9, 2026, 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Venue: University Club San Diego
Organizers: Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation/World Trade Center San Diego
The seminar began with opening remarks by Honorary Consul Kate Leonard, followed by a presentation on the investment environment in the San Diego region by Executive Director Nikia Clarke of World Trade Center San Diego, one of the co-hosts. This was followed by a presentation by Akira Kajita, Chief Executive Director of the JETRO Los Angeles Office, on market entry to Japan, and a presentation by Miwako Waga, Senior Director for Innovation Outreach at UC San Diego (UCSD), on UCSD’s industry-academia collaboration initiatives.
In the panel discussion session, moderated by Senior Director Waga, speakers from four Japanese and U.S. companies (1. Scientist.com, 2. Qualcomm, 3. Nitto Denko Technical Corporation, and 4. Daiichi Sankyo) participated in a panel discussion covering topics such as the benefits and challenges of selecting San Diego and Japan as bases, future growth strategies, and best practices for market expansion.
During the panel discussion, speakers shared insights regarding the Japanese market’s technological excellence but lengthy decision-making processes; the decision to establish a base in San Diego to facilitate collaboration with research institutions and startups; and the importance of understanding cultural differences between Japan and the U.S. and building trust as the key to successful business in both countries.
Following the seminar, a networking reception began with remarks by San Diego City Mayor Todd Gloria and Consul General Murota. Additionally, booths were set up by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Port of San Diego, San Diego International Airport, U.S. financial institutions, universities in San Diego County, and JETRO featuring various business-related exhibits aimed at promoting mutual understanding of the economies and investment opportunities between Japan and the U.S. Furthermore, restaurants from San Diego County served a variety of Japanese sake.
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