The Chubu Centrair International Airport outside Nagoya, Japan opened a new terminal, themed after Seattle and complete with Seattle-owned businesses and products.
“The opening of the Seattle ‘Flight of Dreams’ exhibit brings Seattle businesses overseas to millions of travelers, offering them a taste of Seattle’s best,” said Mayor Jenny A. Durkan. “Some of our most innovative small businesses in Seattle are being celebrated and recognized for their ingenuity. With this project, we are deepening our important cross-cultural connections, promoting tourism, and business development on both sides of the Pacific.”
The “Flight of Dream Project” includes a food and shopping section, called the Seattle Terrace. The first 787 test aircraft, was installed as a gift from Boeing. 30 percent of the Dreamliner’s airframe is built in the region. 16 Seattle-based businesses are featured, including:
- Fran’s Chocolates
- Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
- Pike Brewing Restaurant and Craft Beer Bar
- Ethan Stowell Pizza & Pasta
- Eltana
- Starbucks
- Chowder’s
- Hello Seattle
- Seattle Fish Market
- Shiro Kashiba
- Fujiyama Go * Go Seattle Ramen Stand
The Seattle Mariners are also prominently celebrated in the terrace.
Seattle’s Office of Economic Development worked closely with local entrepreneurs and business owners, in partnership with Japanese developers, to help source companies who were interested in expanding their business to Japan. For many of the businesses, this is their first expansion into Japan.
Deputy Mayor Shefali Ranganathan was on hand for the grand opening.
“Seattle is proud and excited for the companies expanding their reach in Nagoya, Japan,” Joe Mirabella, Communications Director for the Office of Economic Development said. “Not only are they expanding their own opportunities, but like so many Seattle companies, they are serving as an example for our region’s values and opportunities.”