The ITO's relationship with a representative in Japan was established in 1987, and is the primary vehicle in promoting Colorado's exports of products and services to Japan.  It also actively promotes Japanese investment into the state.  The Japan Office provides industry-specific market research on trade opportunities with Japanese companies and encourages commercial partnering that will benefit Colorado's economy.

Mr. Sadao Iwashita, Colorado's Honorary Representative in Japan, is responsible for assisting Colorado companies in all aspects of exporting to Japan. He counsels companies on protocol issues, including business & cultural etiquette, as well as organizes trade missions and trade shows.  By promoting Colorado exports and encouraging Japanese buyers to look to Colorado for products and services, Mr. Iwashita helps to build Colorado's identity as a major U.S. business center.

Japan has played a vital role in Colorado's international trade arena, consistently ranking among the state's top five trading partners for over 15 years. With some 500 companies trading with Japan, Colorado exported over $399 million in products and services in 2006 alone. Some of the state's main exports to Japan include automatic data processing machines, optical, photographic, medical and surgical instruments, as well as parts for office machinery.

If you are interested in using the services of the Honorary Trade Representative in Japan, please email or call Thomas Binet at 303-892-3850.