In the Spring of 2024, Alabama House Representatives Mike Shaw and Kerry Underwood sponsored House Resolution 143 that established the Japan Alabama House Legislative Exchange Group with a purpose “to pursue friendship and cooperation between the members of the House of Representatives and the people, government, and businesses of Japan.”

This resolution proved to be the foundation that made March 4, 2025 one of the most noteworthy days for JASA and Alabama-Japan relations.  On this day at the Alabama Capitol complex, House Representatives Shaw and Underwood were joined by Representative Joe Lovvorn who sponsored House Resolution 80 which honors “the long-lasting friendship between the State of Alabama, this body, and the nation of Japan.” Additionally, Alabama Senator Arthur Orr sponsored a Senate Resolution with the same honor. At the opening of the session, Consul General Mio Maeda and Honorary Consul General were recognized by the House body.

After the session ended, Japan Day was held in the Alabama House Building where about a dozen Japanese companies exhibited to about 2/3 of the legislative body their company’s products, and economic and cultural contributions to the State of Alabama. Japan Day was a successful coordination between the office of the Japan Consul General for Southeast U.S.; Sandy Riordan, consultant to the Consul General; and JASA Governmental Affairs Committee chair Steve Pelham.

The day concluded with a dinner hosted by the Consuls General, attended by several key legislators and JASA staff, marking March 4, 2025, as a pivotal day for Alabama-Japan relations. Plans for Japan Day 2026 are already underway, promising even more opportunities for collaboration and engagement!

Here is the link to the video of Japan Day: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U0kPma7QdzQzKJdqKjy6o_pea5pv8yYP/view?usp=sharing