Japanese consul general visits business class at Montana State University

BOZEMAN — Students in the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship learned more about the relationship between Montana and Japan when a Japanese consul general visited Montana State University’s campus.   

Makoto Iyori has been the Seattle-based consul general for Japan since 2023. Similar to a diplomat, a consul general resides in a foreign country and promotes commercial and diplomatic relations with their home country.   

Iyori traveled to Montana and spoke to a group of about 75 students in an Introduction to International Business class taught by instructor Thomas Lechner.  

Lechner met the consul general in January at a Helena event celebrating Montana’s relationship with Japan. He has been deeply connected with Japan since visiting the country with the National FFA Organization in 1985. Lechner spent 15 years in Japan and six living in Montana’s sister state, Kumamoto.   

“I am doing my best to present students with as many international perspectives as possible in hopes of igniting their curiosity to explore the world,” Lechner said.   

In the international business class, Iyori delivered remarks about Japan’s relationship with Montana and then answered a handful of questions from students.  

The U.S. and Japan have been important allies since the end of World War II, Iyori said. Both nations understand the importance of investing in technology and computing, and the relationship especially thrives in times of economic security, he said, adding that Japanese companies have created over a million jobs in the U.S. and want to continue increasing partnerships.  

Montana exports important goods to Japan, specifically coal, wheat and beef, Iyori said, adding that Japan in general has a huge market for American beef.  

He also highlighted another Japanese-Montana connection: Mike Mansfield, a former U.S. senator from Montana, was the longest-serving U.S. ambassador to Japan from 1977 to 1988. Mansfield was known for his deep understanding of Japanese-American relations. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon his retirement and endowed the Mansfield Chair at the University of Montana to strengthen the study of Japanese language and culture. Lechner recalled meeting Mansfield in 1985.   

Students asked questions covering a wide range of topics, including the Japanese market for bison meat, tariffs, the impact of Formula 1 racing on Japanese tourism, and advice for students planning to study abroad in Tokyo next semester.   

After visiting Lechner’s class, Iyori met with dean of the business college, Brian Gillespie, and several members of the Office of International Programs to strengthen the relationship between Japan and MSU. He also toured the Bozeman-based business Montana Photonics and visited other companies in Billings.   

The class visit is in line with the goals of the business college, as Jabs has worked hard to expand its international course offerings and global footprint for students, Gillespie said.  

“Welcoming Consul General Iyori to campus was a great honor for Montana State University as we forge a continued partnership with Japan,” Gillespie said. “Our collaboration will open the door for students to explore the world and receive an education in line with international partnerships and global ideas. We look forward to strengthening these bonds with Iyori and the nation of Japan for years to come.”