HR252INTRODUCED
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H1NG68-1
By Representatives Shaw, Underwood, Lovvorn
RFD: RULES
First Read: 25-May-23
2023 Regular Session
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HR____ RECOGNIZING THE UNIQUE AND SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
BETWEEN THE STATE OF ALABAMA AND THE NATION OF JAPAN.
WHEREAS, Japanese companies have invested over 20
billion dollars in Alabama, making Japan the number one
foreign direct investor in the state; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, mutual trade between Alabama and
Japan reached nearly two billion dollars, with trade
including mineral fuel, aircraft, spacecraft, vehicles, wood
pulp, paper, organic and inorganic chemicals, machinery,
computers, vehicles, media equipment, ammunition,
pharmaceuticals, and financial services; and
WHEREAS, 20,000 jobs have been created in Alabama,
including 8,100 jobs since 2018, by investment from Japanese
companies, which include Honda Manufacturing of Alabama,
Mazda Toyota Motor Company, Protective Life, Toyota Motor
Manufacturing Alabama, Rheem Manufacturing, and Daikin
America, Incorporated; and
WHEREAS, Dai Ichi Life Insurance Corporation's 2.8
billion dollar purchase of Protective Life Insurance
Corporation in Birmingham in February 2015 was the largest
single Japanese investment in the United States; and
WHEREAS, for 40 years, the people of Alabama and
Japan have enjoyed rich and rewarding friendships through
sister city relationships, including Birmingham-Hitachi,
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Anniston-Tatsuno, Tuscaloosa-Narachino, Dothan-Sakado,
Mobile-Ichara, Montevallo-Echizen, and Birmingham-Maebashi;
and
WHEREAS, groups such as the Alabama Bonsai Society,
Alabama Okinawa Kenjinkai, Azalea City Bonsai Society in
Mobile, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham Museum of
Art, Central Alabama Koi and Water Garden Society, the
Children's Hands-on Museum of Tuscaloosa-Japan, Hoover
Aldridge Gardens, Japan-America Society of Alabama, North
Alabama Japanese Business Association, and Sumi-e Society
Shibui Chapter in Mobile have worked extensively to share
the rich culture of Japan with the people of Alabama and to
extend a hand of friendship to the people of Japan; and
WHEREAS, students at Alabama universities and
colleges have greatly benefited from relationships with
Japan through study, including Birmingham-Southern College,
Samford University, University of West Alabama, The
University of Alabama at Birmingham, The University of
Alabama, Auburn University, The University of Alabama in
Huntsville, Troy University, Talledega College, and Miles
College; and
WHEREAS, the state flower of Alabama, the Japanese
Camellia, has origins in Japan; the City of Satsuma was
named for the import of Japanese Satsuma plants in the late
1800s; and many parks such as Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Japanese Garden, Monte Sano Japanese Garden, Huntsville
Japanese Garden, Mobile Japanese Garden, and Hoover Sakura
Tree Grove reflect a shared appreciation for natural beauty
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in our respective cultures; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That we recognize the unique and
special relationship between the State of Alabama and the
nation of Japan, and we look forward to a long future of
mutually beneficial commerce, and most importantly,
friendship.
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