Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has made a concerted effort over the last few months to bolster business ties with Japan across Illinois. Rauner says over 600 companies in Illinois employ more than 44,000 Illinoisans.
Japanese Consul General Naoki Ito joined Rauner at the event and says southern Illinois is a great place to invest.
Rauner and Ito attended the Rend Lake College Education and Workforce Development Luncheon on Wednesday in Ina.