Visit to Texas by Minister of State for Special Missions Kikawada
2026/8/28
Meeting with the State of Texas and the City of Austin on autonomous ride-hailing services (Group photo with the participants after the discussion)
Exchange of Views with Deepstar on Marine Development (Group photo taken before the meeting)
From August 20-22, Minister of State for Special Missions KIKAWADA visited Texas.
During this visit, while in Austin, Minister Kikawada had robust discussions with representatives from the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the City of Austin. These discussions focused primarily on policy objectives, legal and regulatory frameworks, and other challenges related to the real-world deployment of autonomous ride-hail vehicles in Austin. Additionally, the Minister visited Tesla's EV manufacturing facility. Minister Kikawada next visited Houston, where he conducted a wide-ranging exchange of views on offshore development with representatives from DeepStar. Consul-General Koyama accompanied the Minister on these visits.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Houston is committed to further strengthening the relationship between Japan and the State of Texas.
During this visit, while in Austin, Minister Kikawada had robust discussions with representatives from the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the City of Austin. These discussions focused primarily on policy objectives, legal and regulatory frameworks, and other challenges related to the real-world deployment of autonomous ride-hail vehicles in Austin. Additionally, the Minister visited Tesla's EV manufacturing facility. Minister Kikawada next visited Houston, where he conducted a wide-ranging exchange of views on offshore development with representatives from DeepStar. Consul-General Koyama accompanied the Minister on these visits.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Houston is committed to further strengthening the relationship between Japan and the State of Texas.