Kishimori has proven a quick study finding who the power brokers are here and has been working closely with them.

Kishimori was involved with a recent delegation of over 25 Michigan leaders, including Whitmer, who traveled to Japan in early September.

Japan is Michigan’s sixth-largest trading partner with imports and exports topping $4.6 billion in 2024, according to the MEDC.

Hajime “Jimmy” Kishimori is on a mission to bring “The Land of the Rising Sun” closer to the “Great Lakes State” by growing more economic ties between his country, Japan, and Michigan.

The hard-charging diplomat serving as Consul General of Japan in Detroit, arriving nine months ago, has been meeting with folks, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke

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