Economic and Cultural Relations with Japan

New Mexico is a very unique and beautiful state, located mainly in the desert Southwest but also part of the greater Rocky Mountain area. The state boasts a long and magnificent history, with a strong cultural identity in relation to its rich native heritage.

The capital city of Santa Fe reflects that history, with beautiful traditional architecture and many historical buildings still in use, while the state's largest city of Albuquerque is a vibrant and interesting crossroads city for the Southwest. Tourists are drawn to the state's many historical and scenic national monuments.

The New Mexico economy is driven mainly by tourism, oil and gas production, and federal government spending. The state hosts several military installations, as well as two National Laboratories at Los Alamos and Sandia for advanced scientific research and technology, which both draw researchers from around the world.

In 2011 Japan was the fifth-largest trading partner overall for New Mexico, which exported mainly computer and electronic products and fabricated metals to Japan. Several Japanese technology companies have operations in the state, and there is a very active Japanese cultural community, including organizations such as the Japan America Society and the Japanese American Citizens League.

Santa Fe has a sister-city relationship with the city of Tsuyama (Okayama prefecture), while Albuquerque is linked as a sister city with Sasebo (Nagasaki prefecture). Further, there is also an Honorary Consul General of Japan office representing the state, located in Albuquerque.

Japanese Residents

There are approximately 1,083 Japanese residents in New Mexico (as of October 2011). Of those, many residents live in the Albuquerque area.

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