Concluding his trade mission to Japan, Governor Greg Gianforte this week celebrated more than four decades of partnership between Montana and Kumamoto Prefecture, emphasizing the enduring cultural, educational, and economic ties that have defined the sister-state relationship since its founding in 1982.
Gianforte’s visit marks the first time in fifteen years that a Montana governor has traveled to Kumamoto Prefecture.
“Montana and Kumamoto share a remarkable history of collaboration and friendship,” Gianforte said. “We are proud of the educational, cultural, and economic exchanges that continue to bring our communities closer together, and we look forward to deepening this partnership in the years to come.”
The Montana–Kumamoto sister-state relationship was established in honor of former U.S. Ambassador to Japan Mike Mansfield, a Butte native and the longest-serving American ambassador to Japan. The Montana Trade Office in Kumamoto, founded in 1990, remains the state’s only active trade office in Japan.
Through the office, Montana’s trade representative, Mako Sakaguchi, promotes the state’s economic opportunities to Japanese investors and supports Montana companies seeking to enter or expand within the Japanese market. Montana’s trade connections with Japan span traditional sectors such as agriculture and emerging industries including bioscience, photonics, and quantum technology.
During the visit, Gianforte met with Kumamoto Governor Takashi Kimura to discuss Montana’s agricultural exports — including wheat and beef — as well as long-standing student exchange programs and cultural initiatives. Since 1982, the partnership has supported high school and college exchange programs, scholarships, and study-abroad opportunities for Kumamoto students in Montana.
Governor Kimura welcomed Gianforte’s visit, emphasizing the lasting friendship between the two regions. “Through the dedicated efforts of Mike Mansfield, Kumamoto Prefecture established a sister-state relationship with Montana. We celebrated the 40th anniversary of this relationship in 2022, and this year marks our 43rd anniversary,” Kimura said. “I understand this is the first visit by a Montana Governor to Kumamoto Prefecture in 15 years, and I am truly honored to welcome you in my capacity as Governor on such a special occasion.”
Kumamoto, known for its strong agriculture, forestry, and livestock sectors, has in recent years expanded into semiconductor manufacturing. In 2024, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company opened its first production plant in Japan in Kumamoto Prefecture, strengthening the region’s role in global technology supply chains.
The governor’s trip concluded with a reception attended by government, education, and community leaders from both regions. Gianforte and Kimura delivered remarks celebrating the sister-state relationship, and Gianforte presented a service award to Mako Sakaguchi for her decades of work strengthening ties between Montana and Japan.
“Our relationship with Kumamoto is about more than trade or education — it is about people, culture, and shared values,” Gianforte said. “We are proud of the work we have done together over the years, and we look forward to expanding opportunities for collaboration that will benefit both Montana and Kumamoto for generations to come.”