Governor Gianforte visits Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture
2025/10/31
On October 24, 2025, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte led a delegation of about 40 people on a visit to Governor Takashi Kimura of Kumamoto Prefecture, Montana’s sister state in Japan. Although Montana and Kumamoto have maintained active exchanges since signing their sister-state agreement in 1982, this visit marked Governor Gianforte’s first trip to Kumamoto. Consul General Iyori accompanied the delegation as a liaison between Kumamoto and Montana.
In recent years, Kumamoto Prefecture has become a growing hub for the semiconductor industry, highlighted by the entry of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Similarly, Montana is experiencing rapid growth in industries utilizing cutting-edge advances such as photonics and quantum technologies.
It is hoped that this visit to Kumamoto will promote further exchanges between the two regions, not only in culture but also in economic areas.
In recent years, Kumamoto Prefecture has become a growing hub for the semiconductor industry, highlighted by the entry of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Similarly, Montana is experiencing rapid growth in industries utilizing cutting-edge advances such as photonics and quantum technologies.
It is hoped that this visit to Kumamoto will promote further exchanges between the two regions, not only in culture but also in economic areas.