Daniels, Lundstrom participate in Midwest-Japan conference in Indianapolis

Purdue President Mitch Daniels speaks at a podium during the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference, with U.S., Japanese, Indiana and other flags displayed behind him.

Purdue University President Mitch Daniels opened the final day of the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference. (Photo provided)

September 21, 2026 Purdue Today

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The State of Indiana, in partnership with the Japan-America Society of Indiana, hosted the 56^th annual joint meeting of the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association (MWJA) and the Japan-Midwest U.S. Association from Sept. 9-11 at the Westin Hotel in downtown Indianapolis.

Purdue University President Mitch Daniels opened the final day of the conference, welcoming leaders from across Japan and the Midwest and reflecting on the long-standing relationship between Japan and Indiana.

Daniels highlighted how the strong connections between the two continue to fuel innovation, talent development and economic growth. He drew from decades of engagement, which included receiving Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, one of the nation’s highest honors, bestowed by the emperor of Japan in 2017 for his contributions to advancing U.S.-Japan relations during his tenure as governor of Indiana.

Five industry and academic leaders participate in an executive panel discussion at the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference, seated at a table in front of a large presentation screen. — Shown left to right are Trevor Foughty, chief operating officer, Applied Research Institute; Yoshinori Kanehana, chairman of the board, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.; Mark Lundstrom, chief semiconductor officer and dean of the College of Engineering, Purdue University; Jason Puckett, president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana; and Kirk Taylor, chief financial officer, ReElement Technologies LLC, who participated in an executive panel session at the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference. (Photo provided)

Following Daniels’ remarks, Mark Lundstrom, Purdue’s chief semiconductor officer and dean of the College of Engineering, joined leaders from Toyota Motor Manufacturing, ReElement Technologies LLC and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. for a panel on “Innovation-Driver Future Industries: Semiconductors/AI and Critical Mineral Resources.”

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