WEST VIRGINIA MISSION TO JAPAN 2000 - IN A WORD

April 17, 2000 - In a word, the West Virginia Mission to Japan 2000, would be "FANTASTIC." "What a tremendous opportunity to develop relationships and to meet potential industries face-to-face," according to Gary Walton, Executive Director, PCDA. "The trip was also an excellent opportunity to learn about a culture that is respected the world over," Walton continued.

One of our stops was at the Motomachi auto assembly plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. The facility, started in 1959, produces the Crown, Progres, Gaia, Ipsum, and Rav4 automobiles. About 200,000 autos are produced each year at the plant in Toyota City.

The fast-moving production line is viewed from "cat walks" placed above the actual line to give visitors the opportunity to watch the entire assembly operation as it takes place within the plant. The group was also taken to the Kaikan Exibition Hall in Toyota City to view new

 


models and to tour the technologically- advanced exhibits such as the "virtual factory" and the "advanced automobile technology zone."

"I don't think I have ever been to a country where I felt more welcome or safe," Walton continued. "It is certainly different to see thousands of bicycles in front of office buildings and in parks. And of those thousands of bicycles, I only saw one with a bike lock on it." Walton said.

"The State of West Virginia should be extremely proud of its WV Japan Office," Walton says, "Ken Crockett, Director of the WV Japan Office, and the staff, Ms. Kazuyo Mizutani and Ms. Atsuko Murayama, provided one of the most functional, efficient and enjoyable schedules that we could have hoped for," Walton concluded. Sunday (April 9) was the only day that we were allowed to rest - and that was just to make up for the jet lag suffered by the group. Instead of resting though, we all took a tour of Kyoto. (Pictures available later this week when developed). Scurrying along to take pictures of Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace was exciting as well as educational. And, Miho Egnor was right, we were there just in time to see the cherry blossoms in all their splendor.

Another exciting visit was to the Honorable Taku Kajiwara, Governor of Gifu Prefecture. The Governor surprised me with his discussion of a CD for kindergartners about learning English. The CD is entitled "Kindergarten in Putnam County" - as best I can remember the translation - is based in part on visits to Putnam County, West Virginia. Governor Kajiwara presented a copy of the CD to Walton and to WVDO Executive Director John Snider.

The Mission was led by John Snider, Executive Director of the West Virginia Development Office, and included Steve Spence, Director, WVDO International Division, Hollie Hubbert, WVDO International Division Program Manager, Asian & Pacific, Patrick Kelly, Steptoe & Johnson, Rory Perry, Bank One, Scott Rotruck, WVU, Mallie Combs, Hardee County Rural Development Authority, Bob Crawford, Berkley County Development Authority, Bill Goode, BIDCO, Jerry McDonald , HADCO, and Gary Walton, Executive Director, PCDA.

Three Prefectures (equivalent to States in the US) were visited during the Mission including Gifu, Aichi, and Shizuoka. One of the activities during the mission was the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the West Virginia Japan Office that attracted over 100 people. Some of the attendees already have plants in West Virginia and others indicated a sincere interest in locating facilities in the State.

"It'll take me several weeks to do the follow-up after our mission," according to Walton. "But even with the long periods of time in the airplanes, it was certainly worth it and I commend the State of West Virginia Development Office and the WV Japan Office for a job well done."