Japanese Companies in the US — 2026-09-26
Honda is planning a $2.5 billion hybrid vehicle plant in Ohio, per Nikkei, while Japanese food makers accelerate US expansion — led by Kikkoman's third Wisconsin plant coming online in October. Washington-Tokyo talks on a massive US semiconductor factory under the $550 billion investment pact also advanced, with Japan reportedly seeking supply-chain roles for Japanese equipment and materials firms.
Japanese Companies in the US — 2026-09-26
Top developments
Honda plans $2.5 billion hybrid vehicle plant in Ohio
Honda is preparing to invest $2.5 billion to build a hybrid vehicle plant in Ohio, according to a Nikkei report carried by Reuters/Investing.com (reported September 24–25). A final location decision has not yet been reached, but Ohio is reported as the leading candidate. The move underscores Honda's shift of production toward the US amid tariff pressure and growing hybrid demand.
Kikkoman's third US plant begins shipping in October
Kikkoman will start shipping products made at its third US plant, in Jefferson, Wisconsin, from October, The Japan Times reported on September 24. Overseas operations accounted for 78% of Kikkoman's sales and 90% of its business profit in the fiscal year ended March 2026. Japanese food makers are accelerating US investment as the domestic market shrinks and Japanese cuisine gains popularity, aided by rising inbound tourism.
Japan pushes for Japanese suppliers in US chip plant plan
Japanese-language tech outlet Mynavi reported on September 24 that Japan and the US are beginning working-level discussions on a multitrillion-yen-scale US semiconductor plant investment, potentially operated by GlobalFoundries as a mature/specialty-process node. The Japanese government is expected to demand supply-chain participation for Japanese companies in equipment and materials deliveries — a meaningful opportunity for Japan's semiconductor toolmakers in the US.
Deals, expansion & investment
- Honda: planned ~$2.5 billion hybrid vehicle plant, location decision pending, Ohio leading candidate (Nikkei report, Sept 24–25).
- Kikkoman: third US plant (Jefferson, Wisconsin) begins shipments October 2026.
Regulation & market context
- Japan's PM Takaichi met President Trump in New York on September 22, touting Japan's $550 billion US investment pledge and the jobs it is expected to create — the political backdrop for projects such as Honda's Ohio plant and the chip factory talks.
- A Seeking Alpha analysis published yesterday argues a domestic investment cycle in Japan could pull capital back onshore and support the yen — a potential counterweight to the record US-bound outflows.
On the radar
- Official confirmation of Honda's Ohio plant site and details (watch Honda/Nikkei follow-ups).
- Kikkoman Wisconsin plant's first shipments, expected in October.
- Progress in Japan-US working-level talks on the GlobalFoundries-operated US chip plant.
By the numbers
- $2.5 billion — Honda's planned investment in a US hybrid vehicle plant.
- 78% / 90% — overseas share of Kikkoman's sales / business profit (FY ended March 2026).
- $8.19 billion — Japanese direct investment in US food manufacturing as of end-2025, ~2.5x the level a decade ago.
- $550 billion — Japan's pledged US investment framework underpinning current talks.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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