The Idaho Department of Commerce announced today that it will conduct a seminar Tuesday, March 4, that will focus on business opportunities in Japan.

The seminar will be at the Courtyard Marriott Boise Downtown, 220 S. Broadway Ave., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost will be $30 per person prior to Feb. 26 and includes a boxed lunch.

Featured speakers for the luncheon seminar include the following:

-- Akemi Harima, Idaho-Japan Trade Office representative, discussing Japan distribution channels and approaches to market entry;

-- Yuji Muranaga, chief executive director, San Francisco Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) speaking on diverse opportunities in the Japanese market;

-- Susan Thayer, senior vice president of National Sales for Episciences Inc., who will share her experience working with a Japanese distributor and offering tips for success;

-- Consul General Akio Egawa, consulate-general of Japan in Portland delivering an overview of U.S.-Japan economic relations.

Individual consultations with the Idaho-Japan Trade Office Manager are available in the afternoon.

Japan is the United States' largest overseas export destination, with exports exceeding $57 billion in 2007.

"This seminar offers valuable insight for Idaho businesses who wish to expand their market presence to Japan," said Damien Bard, administrator of the Commerce International Business Division.