A RESOLUTION recognizing the long-standing and successful economic and cultural partnership between Japan and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

HR 43 is a resolution recognizing Kentucky's long-standing economic and cultural partnership with Japan. It highlights that Japanese companies operate over 200 facilities in Kentucky, employing 45,000 Kentuckians and making Japan the state's top foreign investor, while Kentucky exports over $1 billion in goods (like bourbon and machinery) to Japan annually. The resolution also notes cultural ties, including seven sister city relationships and Japanese language education programs in Kentucky communities. It encourages lawmakers to join the Kentucky Japan Caucus to strengthen trade relations and directs the Clerk to share the resolution with Japan's Consul-General. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws but formally acknowledges existing partnerships.