Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida is planning his first trip to Asia, with a focus on strengthening economic ties between Japan and his home state. This move could have significant implications for both entities, as Japan continues to be a major economic force in the world and Florida seeks to expand its foreign investment opportunities. Governor DeSantis’ upcoming visit to Japan raises questions about the potential benefits and challenges of bilateral relations between the two regions. What opportunities are there for mutual economic growth? What obstacles must be overcome to achieve these goals? This report examines the significance of Governor DeSantis’ planned trip to Japan and what it could mean for future partnerships between Japan and Florida.
According to reports from Japanese media outlets, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis is planning a trip to Japan this month, taking time away from the Legislative Session to handle foreign relations for the second time this month. If Mainichi’s report is accurate, DeSantis could be leading another Enterprise Florida delegation, similar to the one he and others took to Israel four years ago. Anonymous sources reported that “DeSantis would hold talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, and he would also seek a meeting with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.” DeSantis is also reported to be planning a visit to South Korea, as well as a second trip to Israel that has already been announced.
Governor Ron DeSantis had previously teased an effort to build stronger ties with Japan last year. In remarks to the Southeastern United States – Japan Conference in Orlando, he made the case for non-stop flights between the Land of the Rising Sun and the Sunshine State, as part of a larger pitch for visitation. “We would like to see an expansion of flights direct from Florida to Japan, and vice versa,” DeSantis said. “This is a great place. I think a lot of Japanese people would really love to come and visit Florida.”
DeSantis has made targeted plays before for more direct travel between Florida and friendly countries with some success. During his first term, Israel’s El Al expanded nonstop flights to Orlando from Miami. DeSantis also suggests that Japanese travelers would enjoy much of the state, citing the weather and a range of activities and attractions on offer.
The Governor spoke for over ten minutes at the event last year, extolling Japan and its cultural products throughout. He spoke with particular relish about sushi chefs who made their way to Florida because of pandemic restrictions elsewhere, saying “you have these unbelievable Japanese sushi chefs who are now in Florida, doing really, really great things! They bring in this Kobe beef, it’s unbelievable what’s going on.”
Florida’s relationship with Japan is long-standing and has included economic and tourism collaborations. Banks and businesses from Japan have invested billions of dollars in Florida in recent years, according to Enterprise Florida. The state has also been working with Japan to promote tourism, with the two sides agreeing to build on the success of the promotion of direct flights from Tokyo’s Narita Airport to Tampa International Airport, which began in 2019.
DeSantis’s trip to Japan may further strengthen ties between the two countries and bring about opportunities for future collaborations. With the Governor having made several targeted plays in recent years to bring business and tourism to Florida from friendly nations, time will tell what kind of impact this particular trip will have.
