U.S.–Japan Steel Partnership Dinner celebrates growing collaboration in Arkansas’s steel industry
MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, Ark. (Feb. 10, 2026) – State, local and international leaders, including the Consul-General of Japan in Nashville, Shinji Watanabe, along with steel industry leaders from Nucor-Yamato and Big River Steel, gathered last Thursday evening at the Arkansas Northeastern College Lawrence Family Campus for the U.S.–Japan Steel Partnership Dinner. The event recognized the growing relationship between the United States and Japan amidst the recent Nippon Steel partnership.
The partnership dinner was designed to foster cultural exchange and celebrate the impact of Japanese investments on Arkansas’s steel industry, especially in Mississippi County, the nation’s highest steel-producing county. Leaders from the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the Great River Economic Development Commission, Arkansas NortheasternCollege, Visit Hot Springs, Big River Steel, Nippon Steel and Nucor-Yamato attended the dinner.
Mississippi County Judge John Alan Nelson welcomed guests and emphasized the county’s appreciation for Japanese investment and its role in shaping the region’s economic success.
“For decades, Mississippi County has benefited from strong Japanese investment in our steel industry, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunities those partnerships have created for our people,” said Nelson. “Today, we are the highest steel-producing county in the United States because of global partnerships built on excellence, trust and mutual respect. As we enter an exciting new chapter with Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel, Mississippi County remains open, welcoming and supportive of continued growth for companies that choose to invest and thrive here.”
Consul-General Watanabe highlighted the importance of local relationships in advancing international cooperation and economic development.
“Here in Arkansas, we see firsthand the true substance of the Japan–U.S. economic cooperation reaffirmed by our leaders last fall,” said Watanabe. “The state showcases both long-standing successful collaborations and promising new projects now emerging. Japanese and American companies, leveraging their respective strengths, are building pathways to future development and growing together with their local communities.”
Arkansas Northeastern College President Dr. Chris Heigle emphasized the role of workforce development in sustaining long-term industry growth, noting the college’s ongoing commitment to preparing the next generation of skilled workers for careers in advanced manufacturing.
“Arkansas Northeastern College is proud to serve as a workforce partner for the steel industry and the global companies investing here,” said Heigle. “By aligning education and training with industry needs, we are helping ensure Mississippi County and Northeast Arkansas remain competitive for decades to come.”
Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald praised the collaboration between Japan, industry leaders and local communities, calling it a model for economic development statewide.
“Arkansas’s success in steel is rooted in strong partnerships and a business climate that values innovation and long-term investment,” said McDonald. “Mississippi County, now the largest steel-producing county in the United States, shows what’s possible when local leadership, a skilled workforce and trusted international partners like Japan work together. Tonight, we’re proud to recognize Japan’s contributions to Arkansas’s economy and the relationships that continue to drive growth across our state.”
During the event, Secretary McDonald also presented Consul-General Watanabe with the Arkansas Traveler Certificate – one of the state’s highest civilian honors – recognizing his leadership in strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between Japan and Arkansas.
Mary Zunick, cultural affairs manager for Visit Hot Springs, also addressed attendees, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening international relationships. Hot Springs has a long-standing sister-city relationship with Hanamaki, Japan.
“This was a wonderful event that demonstrated what happens when Arkansas and Japan work together,” Zunick said. “When we look at the bigger picture, partnerships—economic, cultural, and personal—show us that collaboration benefits everyone. By learning from one another, celebrating each other’s successes, and working together with intention, we not only strengthen our economy, but we also help create a more connected and peaceful world.”
The gathering also served as a prelude to site visits held Friday at Big River Steel and Nucor-Yamato Steel, where guests saw firsthand how international partnerships are contributing to advanced steel production in Northeast Arkansas.
Mississippi County is home to multiple major steel operations and continues to attract global investment that supports thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic impact. As the highest steel-producing county in the United States, the region remains a cornerstone of Arkansas’s manufacturing economy and a key player in the evolving U.S.–Japan steel alliance.
About Mississippi County
Mississippi County, Arkansas, is the highest steel-producing county in the United States. Located in Northeast Arkansas along the Mississippi River, the county is a hub for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, logistics and workforce-driven economic development. Mississippi County is home to major employers, including Nucor-Yamato, Big River Steel and Hybar, as well as the Arkansas Aeroplex, a former Air Force base now utilized as a multimodal industrial and aviation center. Mississippi County is dedicated to attracting investment, creating high-quality jobs and building vibrant communities where people can work, live and thrive. To learn more, visit landofsteel.com.
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