Bringing international business to Houston

KAWASAKI, Japan (KTRK) -- A number of Japanese companies already have a presence in Houston. But our cities business and political leaders would like to see more. They are hoping the past three days of meetings and discussions will soon yield fruit.

"Usually Japanese companies focus on New York or Los Angeles, the West Coast, but now with Houston, perhaps more attention will come to us," said Glen Gondo, a long time Houston booster with Japanese roots.

Gondo and fellow Houstonian Donna Fujimoto Cole have worked hard to bring the Houston delegation to Japan. They say Japanese companies value face to face meetings.

"It was really important to be a bridge, and bring the U.S. to Japan and Japan to US," said Cole. "That's why I've been involved in those efforts last 10 years back home and in Japan."

Cole and Gondo say building relationships take time, and existing relationships need to be cultivated. Toshiba, for example, has had a presence in Houston for years, but it's important not to take the international investment for granted. That's why they wanted both a political and business presence in Tokyo.

"Most of the news in Houston is about China, and India, hardly anything about Japan. So to have the Mayor come to Japan is a very gratifying feeling," said Gondo.