Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is in Japan on a trip devoted exlusively to strengthening and building upon Detroit’s existing relationship with Japan.

The trip will be an opportunity to lay the groundwork for Japanese businesses to consider further investment in Detroit. The Mayor’s presentations will focus on Detroit’s ongoing recovery Detroit through neighborhood revitalization and major economic investments taking place in downtown, midtown and increasingly in other city neighborhoods.

“In today’s business world, international relations are an integral part of strong national, state and local economies,” Duggan said. “Detroit has long played a significant role in international trade. There are currently approximately 40,000 people employed by Japanese industries in Michigan. This trip will build on that history and lay the groundwork for the expansion of jobs for Detroiters.”

The Mayor also will take the opportunity to thank the Toyota Corporation, in particular, for its significant support of the Grand Bargain. The Japanese business community contributed $3.2 million, including a $1 million donation from Toyota, to help preserve retiree pensions and the Detroit Institute of Art collection during the city’s recent bankruptcy process.

Duggan’s itinerary includes two keynote addresses: one in Toyota City on July 26 at the 55^th anniversary celebration of Detroit’s relationship with Toyota City as a sister city and the other at the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan in Tokyo on July 28. His meetings in Toyota City will include city officials and a visit to the Toyota Motor Corporation.