Japan - Chicago Business Facts

Over 350 Japanese companies at approximately 950 locations in greater Chicago

  • North American Headquarters for Astellas and Takeda

At least 95 Chicago-area companies in Japan

  • McDonald’s, Hyatt, Abbott, ITW…

2010 Imports to the Chicago Customs District

  • Total: US$11.96 billion

Top Import Categories:

  • Industrial Machinery, Including Computers 
  • Electric Machinery; Sound Equip.; TV Equip. 
  • Optic, Photo, Medical or Surgical Instruments

2010 Exports from the Chicago Customs District

  • Total: US$4.3 billion

Top Export Categories:

  • Optic, Photo, Medical or Surgical Instruments
  • Industrial Machinery, Including Computers
  • Pharmaceutical Products

Nippon Express expansion, Des Plaines, 2009

Takeda Pharmaceutical North America HQ campus, Deerfield, 2006

Seven and I (7-11) acquisition of White Hen, 2006

Astellas Pharma North American HQ, Deerfield, 2005 (building new 425,000-square foot U.S. HQ in Glenview to be completed by 2012)

Japanese Consulate General in Chicago

Osaka Japan Sister City relationship since 1973

City of Osaka Chicago Office since 1958, 50th anniversary in 2008

18,000 Japanese-Americans in Chicago, 2000 Census; Futabakai School, Arlington Heights

City of Osaka Vice Mayor delegation to Chicago, 2008, commemorating 35th anniversary of Sister City relationship