Steptoe & Johnson Attorney Larry Rector Appointed Honorary Consul for Japan

Charleston, WV – The Consulate General of Japan in New York and Steptoe & Johnson PLLC are pleased to announce that attorney Larry Rector has been appointed the Honorary Consul of Japan in Charleston, West Virginia. Rector’s appointment marks the first of its kind in the state of West Virginia by the Government of Japan. The United States Department of State confirmed Rector’s appointment on October 31, 2023.

“I am honored to be the first to take on this new role,” Rector said. “I am committed to supporting and fostering growth between West Virginia and Japan and I am grateful for my law firm’s encouragement and support for this opportunity.” Rector said he understands the Consulate’s establishment of this Consular post in Charleston means a commitment to build upon the strong ties that have already been established between Japan and West Virginia. “These bonds were formed decades ago by former Senator John D. Rockefeller,” Rector said.

Honorary Consuls are assigned to protect the interests of Japan and Japanese residents and foster increased business activities as well as to promote cultural exchanges between Japan and regions where no Consulate-General office is established. Despite the long distance, West Virginia and Japan have already built strong ties for decades in various fields. The appointment of the Honorary Consul in Charleston is expected to enhance political, business, and cultural relationships and to assist with the activities of Japanese people in West Virginia.

“We are pleased that our colleague, Larry Rector, has been appointed to this role and we believe that this position establishes the foundation for greater exchanges between the people of Japan and West Virginia,” said Steptoe & Johnson CEO, Chris Slaughter. “The significant number of Japanese businesses that have already successfully established a presence in our state highlights that there is mutual respect and cooperation that will foster continued growth and investment in West Virginia. The support of our political leaders in Japanese investment has made West Virginia positioned for continued success.”

In relation to Mr. Rector’s appointment as Honorary Consul, a Business Forum co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Japan in New York, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the West Virginia Department of Economic Development will be held, with the theme “The Current and Future of Business Exchanges between Japan and West Virginia.” This event, which will precede Mr. Rector’s inauguration ceremony and reception, will discuss the current commercial relationship, and explore future business opportunities between West Virginia and Japan. The Business Forum will have presentations by President Satoshi Miura of JETRO New York, Barry Pearson of Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia, and other leaders in business, government, and education. Ambassador Mikio Mori, of the Consulate General of Japan in New York, and West Virginia Secretary of State, Mac Warner will provide remarks during the inauguration ceremony.

Both events will be held on Wednesday, November 29 at the State of West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston and are by invitation only.

About the Consulate General of Japan in New York

The Embassy of Japan and each of 17 Consulates General / Consular offices of Japan in the United States maintain a specific jurisdictional area. The Consulate General of Japan in New York exclusively serves the following areas: Connecticut (Fairfield County only), Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands.

For more about the Consulate General of Japan in New York go to its webpage at: https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/aboutus.html

About JETRO

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is a non-profit organization that provides business support services to companies expanding to Japan. With the support of JETRO’s dedicated staff, clients can incorporate their business; receive visa, immigration, and HR support; find dedicated office space; identify local government subsidies; get tailored market studies; and more.

For more about JETRO go to its webpage at: https://www.jetro.go.jp/usa.html

About West Virginia Department of Economic Development

West Virginia Department of Economic Development is committed to driving the state’s economy and ensuring that West Virginia is positioned competitively for new investment. We strive to increase prosperity and quality of life in West Virginia by helping businesses locate to a new site, expand existing facilities, export goods, and provide training to employees.

For more about West Virginia Department of Economic Development go to its webpage at: https://westvirginia.gov/

About Steptoe & Johnson

Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is a law firm nationally recognized for its strengths in energy law with more than a century of know-how in the areas of business, labor and employment, and litigation. Steptoe & Johnson has over 400 lawyers and other professionals practicing in 18 offices in Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. Visit and connect with us on X (f/k/a Twitter) and LinkedIn.

For more information, contact Ryan Daniels, Chief Marketing Officer, at (614) 456-1647 or by email: press@steptoe-johnson.com.