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NewsChicago Sun-TimesJuly 2, 2026United States

Senator Duckworth Travels to Japan to Promote Illinois Tech and Trade

Senator Tammy Duckworth is visiting Japan to strengthen economic ties, focusing on quantum technology partnerships, agricultural exports, and modular housing solutions for Illinois. The trip includes meetings with major technology firms and government officials to encourage investment and job growth in the state.

economic developmentquantum computinginternational tradeagriculturehousingtechnology
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Why It Matters

The trip aims to secure international investment and partnerships that could impact Illinois' technology sector, agricultural export markets, and the cost of prefabricated housing.

Key Facts

  • Senator Duckworth is visiting Japan to discuss quantum technology, agriculture, and modular housing.
  • IBM is opening a FutureNow Chicago delivery center at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, creating 750 full-time jobs.
  • IBM committed to hiring one-third of qualified graduates from a new City Colleges of Chicago apprenticeship program.
  • DMG Mori is relocating its U.S. headquarters from Hoffman Estates to Chicago.
  • The trip includes meetings with Toshiba, IBM, and DMG Mori to discuss quantum research and agreements with the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park.
  • Senator Duckworth is investigating Japanese modular housing manufacturing to explore ways to reduce costs for prefabricated homes in the U.S.
  • Meetings are scheduled with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation regarding sustainable air fuel and Illinois agricultural exports like soy, corn, and ethanol.
  • The Global Quantum Forum is scheduled for July 22 in Chicago.
  • Senator Duckworth previously traveled to Singapore in May, and Poland and Portugal in January.

Who's Mentioned

personHideyuki Yokoyama“Mayor of Osaka.”organizationToshiba“Japanese technology company involved in quantum research.”organizationDMG Mori“Manufacturing company relocating its U.S. headquarters to Chicago.”organizationQ-STAR“Japanese Quantum Consortium.”organizationIBM“Technology company establishing a delivery center in Chicago.”personJB Pritzker“Governor of Illinois involved in state quantum expansion efforts.”locationIllinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park“Site of the new IBM FutureNow Chicago delivery center.”personShimada Taro“CEO of Toshiba.”personTammy Duckworth“U.S. Senator leading the trade delegation to Japan.”