Charter

The Florida-Japan Linkage Institute (FJLI), created in 1987 by the Florida Legislature, is dedicated to the "development of stronger economic and social ties between Florida and Japan through the promotion of expanded public/private dialogue on cooperative research and technical assistance activities, student and faculty exchanges, cultural exchanges, and the enhancement of language training skills between Florida's postsecondary institutions and those of Japan" (Florida Statute 288.8175).

"(Our) partnership is based on shared interests and mutual respect and rests on our beliefs that together we can be a force for peace and prosperity..."
--President Bush
On U.S.-Japan Relations

Organization

The FJLI is governed by a State Advisory Committee composed of state officials, educators and business people, while the day to day activities are entrusted to the co-directorship of the University of South Florida (USF), the University of West Florida (UWF), and the St. Petersburg Junior College (SPJC).

"The cooperative relations between Japan and the United States are indispensable not only to Japan's peace and prosperity but also to the stability of international relations in the Asia-Pacific region and hence the entire world."
-- Prime Minister Kaifu
On U.S.-Japan Relations

Mission

The Florida-Japan Linkage Institute works toward strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation between the peoples of Florida and Japan through the promotion of educational, cultural, economic and policy relations. Building upon past efforts and successes, the FJLI undertakes:

• Educational Development
  promoting scholarship and cultural exchange programs; the development of Japanese history, cultural and language programs; and joint research and curriculum/ instructional projects.
• Cultural Development
  promoting goodwill between Floridians and Japanese through sister-city relationships; the exchange of performing artists, works of art and cultural awareness programs and activities.
• Economic Development
  promoting the growth and exchange of mutual beneficial trade and ideas between Floridians and Japanese through organizations such as the National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS) based in Washington D.C.; the Florida Delegation of the Southeast U.S./Japan Association (SEUS) based in Coral Gables, Florida; the Japan-America Societies of Central and South Florida, based in Tampa and Miami, respectively; and other state and federal agencies.
• Policy Development
  supporting the Florida Department of Commerce, the Florida Trade Development Office in Tokyo and the Florida International Affairs Commission; the Japan External Trade Organization in Atlanta, and other state and federal initiatives regarding Florida-Japan relations.
• Clearinghouse/Networking
  developing a computerized database system network (CDSN) to support the networking of educational, cultural, economic and policy interests between the Floridians and Japanese.

Why Japan?

The U.S.-Japan relationship -- in terms of security, policy and trade -- is unparalleled in depth, complexity and import. No two other world powers are so interdependent, nor so vital to the preservation of global peace and prosperity. U.S.-Japan security relations provide not only for the defense of Japan, but also protection of U.S. interests in the Far East as well as stability and development throughout the Asia -Pacific region.

U.S.-Japan trade best exemplifies the interdependency between both nations, accounting for roughly 40 percent of world GNP and nearly 60 percent of the Western industrialized nations' GNP.

Florida-Japan Relations

Japan is America's second largest trading partner; while America continues to be Japan's largest export market. Relations between Floridians and Japanese - with a robust two-way trade of more than $7 billion annually - are no less dynamic. Japan is Florida's largest international trading partner, with principal exports including agricultural products and livestock. Primary imports include high-tech goods, capital, and real estate investment and tourism. Also, more than 100 Japanese firms, employing over 5,000 Floridians, call Florida home; while nearly 20 Florida firms are doing business in Japan.
The Florida-Japan Linkage Institute is dedicated to building and maintaining bridges of excellence between the Sunshine State and the Land of the Rising Sun.

For Information