Before beginning, I wish to say a few words. Five years ago, this great nation endured a tragedy beyond belief. It was an attack upon America and the entire civilized world. So many were lost, including Japanese nationals.

From that moment, a new chapter opened in our Japan-U.S. alliance, with Japan as a more active partner. We stand united today and in the future.

Ladies and gentlemen:

Good morning.

It has been said that “great leaders are like the best conductors – they reach beyond the notes to reach the magic in the players.”

That is why we are here today. It is our challenge to seize the baton, to move beyond our already impressive Midwest-Japan partnership, and to achieve new magic together.

Having closely watched the Midwest from Tokyo before my arrival in Chicago last week, I know that this new plateau is well within our grasp, beginning today with this conference and with you.

We start with a solid foundation. This 9-state area is home to more than 1,800 Japanese business facilities, which employ nearly 200,000 individuals. That's equivalent to a job for every man, woman and child living in Grand Rapids, Michigan. So many Japanese companies have prospered here, and even expanded here. Just look at Kikkoman Foods with its nearly 35 years of success in Wisconsin .

And now, Japanese companies are paying heightened attention to the Midwest. The announcements this year by two major Japanese vehicle companies that they will locate in Indiana is a huge win for this state and for the Midwest. They trumpet this region as a great place to invest. Its top-notch workforce, central location, and excellent transportation network are second to none. And the 9 states have a priceless asset, 4,700 golf courses. That's 85,000 holes of golf.

I urge my Japanese friends to discover all that this region offers. Its leading companies and universities have transformed the business landscape and our lives. The cell phone was developed in Illinois, the corporate jet in Kansas, DNA sequencer technology in Iowa, targeted cancer treatment in Missouri, optical digital recording in Ohio, and three months ago, a new device that gives robots a human-like sense of touch was announced in Nebraska. One can only imagine what is being dreamed of today for the world of tomorrow, right here in the Midwest.

I also encourage my American friends to invest in Japan, which remains your largest non-NAFTA export market.

To see the importance of our Midwest-Japan friendship, look no further than this dais. Five Midwest governors have joined us demonstrating their strong personal commitment. For the second year in a row, Governor Ueda is attending to boost Saitama Prefecture 's sister-state relationship with Ohio. Governor Fukuda is here to deepen Tochigi Prefecture 's sister-state partnership with the host state, Indiana. Both strongly desire new business and cultural ties with all of you. And Ambassador Kato's participation underscores the Midwest's importance to Japan.

We are indebted to our two co-chairmen, Governor Thompson and Mr. Mogi, for the superb roster of speakers. And we applaud Governor Daniels and the State of Indiana for a great kick-off yesterday, and a great conference.

As a newcomer, I'm thrilled by your enthusiasm for our partnership, which I absolutely share. This region has welcomed Japan in so many ways. Shortly after Tadahito Iguchi arrived last year, White Sox fans embraced him as he excelled on the field. I also hope to achieve much, but can do so only with your cooperation. I'm most eager to meet all of you, and my door will always be wide open.

Let's join together to champion our friendship. Let's make the Midwest-Japan magic happen!

Thank you.