Governor Jim Pillen and a delegation of state leaders will depart this week for Japan on a trade mission aimed at promoting Nebraska agriculture, biofuels, and business opportunities. The trip runs from Sept. 5–9.
The Governor’s office says the delegation includes representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Department of Economic Development, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Union Pacific, and leaders from the state’s agriculture and manufacturing industries.
While in Japan, Gov. Pillen will meet with Japanese governors and defense ministers, speak at the U.S. Midwest-Japan Association Conference in Tokyo, and visit Kawasaki to thank the company for its long-term investment in Nebraska.
A top priority for the mission is promoting Nebraska ethanol, says Pillen, as Japan prepares to expand ethanol use in its fuel supply. The country currently blends less than 2% ethanol in gasoline but plans to reach 10% by 2030 and 20% by 2040.
“Nebraska is perfectly positioned to be a trusted biofuels supplier,” Pillen said. “We boast America’s most advanced infrastructure for carbon capture and storage, allowing our biorefineries to produce ethanol more sustainably than anywhere else.”
The Governor’s Office says Japan is already a “leading market” for Nebraska’s agricultural exports, including beef, pork, corn, eggs, soybeans, and wheat. In 2024, Nebraska exported nearly $400 million worth of beef and $177 million of pork to Japan. More than 60 Japanese-owned businesses also operate in Nebraska, employing more than 4,000 people.
The trip also highlights longstanding cultural and educational ties, including the 60th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Omaha and Shizuoka, and a 40-year academic partnership between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Senshu University.