CHARLESTON (AP) — West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is heading to Japan for his first overseas trade mission as the state’s chief executive.

Tomblin left Thursday, accompanied by economic development officials from Jackson, Putnam and Wood Counties. The delegation includes representatives of Japanese companies already doing business in West Virginia, as well as Commerce Secretary Keith Burdette and First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin.

Tomblin’s office says the 10-day trade mission will include networking receptions in Tokyo and Nagoya. West Virginia has had a trade office in Nagoya since 1990.

Tomblin and his team are seeking new investments for West Virginia. Officials say the state currently hosts operations by at least 20 Japanese businesses that employ around 2,300 people.

Japan is also one of the state’s top non-coal export markets.