The article "Thank You, Japan. Love, US Manufacturing" highlights the significant positive impact of Japanese investment on the U.S. manufacturing sector. It begins with the backdrop of President Biden hosting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington, amidst Biden's opposition to a specific acquisition proposal by a Japanese company, setting a somewhat awkward context for discussions on foreign investment. Despite this, the piece focuses on the broader benefits of Japan's substantial investment in the U.S., which is the largest by any single country, amounting to $775 billion or 14.8% of the total foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States by the end of 2022.

Japan's investment primarily benefits the U.S. manufacturing sector, with $370 billion invested, making up 16.6% of manufacturing FDI stock. The transportation equipment industry, particularly auto production, is a significant recipient of this investment, demonstrating Japan's crucial role in the U.S. economy. Japanese automakers, represented by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), have invested $61.6 billion and support numerous jobs, showcasing the tangible benefits of foreign investment on the U.S. economy.

The piece argues that FDI not only brings capital investment but also encourages technological transfer, best practices, and global competitiveness, thus enhancing the U.S. manufacturing sector's productivity and economic performance. It illustrates how foreign companies, especially those from Japan, have contributed to increasing employment, revenues, exports, and research and development expenditures in the U.S. Moreover, it addresses how the presence of Japanese and other foreign automakers has invigorated the U.S. automobile industry by introducing competition and innovation, ultimately benefiting U.S. consumers and boosting the sector's global standing.

In conclusion, the article makes a compelling case for the importance of embracing foreign investment and globalization as vital factors in the revitalization and growth of the U.S. manufacturing sector, challenging the notion that trade and globalization weaken domestic industries.

Subtopics:
- Foreign Direct Investment in the U.S.
- Japan’s Role in U.S. Manufacturing
- Impact on the U.S. Economy
- Japanese Automakers in the U.S.
- Globalization and U.S. Manufacturing Revitalization