In this edition of the newsletter, we look back on an eventful first half of the year! We hosted yet another dynamic annual delegation visit of our members from Japan, published our 2025 Data Release and conducted our first-ever Capitol Hill briefing for congressional staffers and the wider D.C. policy community, where we launched our Annual Impact Report and a new workforce development whitepaper.
Our activities in the first half of the year underscore our members’ compelling story of long-term investment and growing “good-quality FDI” throughout America, which continues to be a narrative that resonates in Washington D.C. and beyond. Our members aim to add to this tremendous legacy, and an open and favorable investment climate remains an essential foundation to maintain, nurture and grow their investments in U.S. manufacturing, the economy, and communities nationwide year after year.
JAMA USA Office Highlights
Annual Delegation from Tokyo
On March 11-12, JAMA USA hosted yet another meaningful delegation to Washington D.C. consisting of our members from Tokyo and colleagues from our members’ U.S. operations. Various policy and industry experts from the private sector, think tanks, and former government representatives, were invited to brief our delegation to discuss a number of timely issues including the current foreign investment climate in the U.S., the state of trade policy, tariffs, U.S.-Japan economic and trade relations, supply chain policy, the USMCA and North American trade, and auto industry trends. Some of the delegation also had the opportunity to engage in meetings with government stakeholders in the State Department as well as on Capitol Hill.
Annual Data Release
On March 27, JAMA USA published its annual data release, which highlights Japanese-brand automakers’ substantial and growing investments into the U.S. economy. This is a legacy and commitment that continues to grow and benefit American workers and consumers across the country. JAMA members now operate 24 manufacturing plants, 43 R&D and design facilities and 70 distribution centers in communities across 27 states.
Japan remains the largest provider of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the U.S. for the fifth consecutive year and JAMA members’ investments are a significant part of that reality. In 2024, Japanese-brand automakers hit a record high $66.4 billion in cumulative manufacturing investment and directly employ over 110,000 U.S. workers.
To view the official press release please see here.
Capitol Hill Briefing & Launch Event
On June 11, JAMA USA co-hosted its first ever Capitol Hill briefing for congressional staffers and the broader U.S.-Japan and industry community in Washington D.C. in partnership with the U.S.-Asia Institute. The event highlighted the important role that Japanese FDI plays in deepening bilateral economic ties in a variety of ways including through workforce development initiatives.
At this briefing, JAMA USA’s General Director, Anita Rajan, presented JAMA’s 2025 Annual Impact Report, which was then followed by a panel discussion highlighting the importance of employer engagement in developing the U.S. workforce. Distinguished panelists included Tamar Jacoby, Founding President, Opportunity America, Dr. Joy Rich, Manager, Workforce Development & Community Relationships, Nissan Group of North America, Ms. Meredith L. Reffey, Department Lead, Workforce Partnerships, American Honda Motor Company and Mr. Scott Russo, Senior Manager, Regional Workforce Development, Toyota Motor North America.
The briefing also brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from the U.S. government, industry, and individuals from the U.S.-Japan community. This was a meaningful opportunity to discuss and celebrate the diverse ways in which Japanese FDI helps to bolster the U.S.’ advanced manufacturing and automotive sectors as well as the greater economy.
JAMA Impact Report & Workforce Whitepaper
During the above Capitol Hill briefing, JAMA USA was delighted to jointly release its 2025 Annual Impact Report entitled, “Moving American Manufacturing Forward” and a sponsored whitepaper entitled, “Employer-Driven Workforce Development: Japanese-Brand Automakers in the U.S. Offer Models of Engagement.”
The Impact Report showcases how JAMA members continue to “move American manufacturing forward” through commitments to the U.S. economy, workforce, and communities in a myriad of ways, whether through cutting-edge innovation, meaningful charitable giving and community outreach, or initiatives building out the talent pipeline. The workforce whitepaper was co-authored by experts Tamar Jacoby, Founding President of Opportunity America and Deanna Ross, Director of Workforce Policy at the Progressive Policy Institute and illustrates the importance of employer engagement and how Japanese-brand automakers have engaged in a variety of ways to develop the U.S. advanced manufacturing and automotive workforce and strengthen U.S. competitiveness.
To read JAMA USA’s 2025 Impact Report click here.
To read the whitepaper on workforce development click here.
Public Comments
JAMA Chairman’s Comments on the U.S.-Japan Trade Deal
On July 24, following the announcement of the U.S.-Japan trade deal, JAMA’s Chairman, Masanori Katayama, released a statement on the negotiations. Overall, JAMA welcomes the deal not only for helping to limit the impact on the entire Japanese automotive industry, including its supply chain, but also for avoiding negatively affecting our members’ consumers in the U.S. However, JAMA’s fundamental position remains unchanged as we continue to seek a business environment grounded in fair and open trade. Given an unprecedented rise in global political, economic, and geopolitical uncertainties, JAMA sincerely hopes that this deal will serve as a starting point for further improvements in the environment surrounding the automotive industries of both countries.
To read JAMA Chairman’s full statement, click here.
JAMA Public Comments on the Section 232 National Security Investigation on Imports of Trucks
On May 16, JAMA submitted comments on the Section 232 National Security Investigation of Imports of Trucks. JAMA members’ consistent and steadily increasing “good-quality” investments in the U.S. underscore their long-term commitment to the U.S. market, workers and communities. JAMA’s truck manufacturing members strongly urge the U.S. to support policies that encourage continued growth in the U.S. Possible tariff measures in response to this investigation would add costs and decrease the momentum in U.S. truck manufacturing as downside price increases would generate a negative outcome for commercial customers who are primarily concerned with increased costs to their business in the U.S.
To read the full comments, click here.
JAMA Blog & Media
Japan Automotive Market Video
This summer, JAMA USA released an educational video, “What’s Driving Japan?: Understanding the Japanese Vehicle Market” on the current state of the Japanese auto market and its unique characteristics. The video provides a quick (and fun!) overview of major factors influencing Japanese consumers’ preferences given the reality of having to frequently navigate narrow roads in cities and mountainous terrain in rural areas.
To view the video view above or click here.
Celebrating Japanese Automakers American Spirit
On July 3, ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, JAMA USA published a blog post entitled, “Celebrating Japanese-Brand Automakers’ American Spirit.” The blog lauds our members’ long and storied legacy in the U.S. This year marks the 43rd anniversary of the first Japanese-brand automaker to open an assembly plant in the U.S. Since then, JAMA members have become an integral part of the American economic landscape through their steadfast and meaningful investment. In the blog, we share how Japanese-brand automakers have proven their dedication to American workers and families by providing high-quality jobs and fulfilling careers, building out robust talent pipelines, and dedicating over $1 billion in charitable contributions to communities all across the U.S.
Japanese-brand Automakers Select the USA
On May 13, in celebration of Select USA, JAMA USA published a blog post entitled, “Japanese-brand Automakers Select the USA,” which looks at the successes of JAMA members’ production and R&D in the U.S. and the factors that have enabled a steady level of investment growth. In the blog, we share what has propelled Japanese-brand automakers to continue to “select” the U.S. for over four decades and counting. First and foremost is a foundation of longstanding trust and partnership coupled with a positive investment climate, and being able to meet the American consumer where they are through innovative R&D and diverse vehicle offerings. Japanese-brand automakers have chosen to invest substantially in the U.S. market and continue to do so based on these fundamental drivers.
To read the blog, please click here.
Member Spotlights
Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina Begins Production
Earlier this year, Toyota’s first in-house automotive battery plant globally, Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC), officially began producing batteries. With a significant investment of nearly $14 billion, at full capacity, the factory is expected to employ over 5,000 people and produce batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in-hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) across 14 production lines.
Currently the facility has already begun shipping hybrid-electric battery modules to its vehicle assembly plants and production is planned to increase in phases through 2030. Toyota has also committed to using 100% renewable energy to produce its batteries at TBMNC. As part of Toyota’s commitment to strengthen the community and workforce pipeline in North Carolina, TBMNC has already made an investment of $3.5 million in charitable donations.
Honda Founding Sponsor of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles
On June 2, Honda announced an exciting official partnership as Founding Partner of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles (LA28). Notably, Honda established its first U.S.-based operations in Los Angeles in June 1959 and this significant partnership reflects Honda’s long and storied investment in the U.S. for more than 60 years.
As Founding Partner and Official Automotive Partner, Honda will work closely with LA28 to build an accessible vehicle fleet for the Games, which will feature a diverse array of mobility technologies and products, that will help athletes, officials, and other stakeholders move across Southern California during the games. These will include electrified vehicles such as the Honda O series and Acura RSX and powersports vehicles such as motorcycles, ATVs, Motocompacto e-scooters, and Honda Marine engines. Honda and Acura vehicles will also act as the official pace vehicles for all LA28 endurance events.