MURRAY, KY - Every state wants to attract new businesses because of the positive ripple effects seen across the state.

In the Local 6 region, Asian companies are the focus. The number of Japanese companies in the Bluegrass State has increased steadily over the past 10 years to around 175. Now, Murray State University is giving students the chance to learn the things that might put them on the cutting edge of success in the business world.

MSU is the only university in the state now offering a major or minor in Japanese. However, the emphasis isn't just on learning the language. The focus is on teaching students how the language and culture will turn them into global citizens.

Pieces of Japan's pop culture are popular in the United States too. Just look at things like Anime, video games and Hello Kitty.

A connection MSU's Yoko Hatakeyama says grows stronger everyday. That's why she's excited Murray State is now offering students the chance to major or minor in Japanese. A language that's tough to learn, but the trade offs can be big.

'I think (students) have a lot of opportunity to be successful in the business field," Hatakeyama said.

A field that's focusing more on how companies relate on a global scale. She added, "They really need somebody who not only knows the language but really knows the culture so that they can communicate with the Japanese employees and contribute to the company."

Marketing expert Fred Miller says the course will help students become global citizens.

"It's another tool in the executive's tool kit," Miller said. "If you can speak that language and understand that language and understand that culture and have insight into that customer - you're going to be able to serve them a little bit better."

Service is something junior Lee Darnell plans on doing soon.

"That's my dream, teach English to Japanese," Darnell said. He understands the connection between the language, the culture and the history.

Darnell added, "I believe that Japan is a country that is growing in its technology and communication with America."

Understanding Hatakeyama and others hope continues to thrive.

"You can accept different people, different cultures and you have to do that, otherwise you can't live," Hatakeyama said.

Murray State also plans to establish a Japanese Teacher Certification Program in the near future.

The number of Japanese companies, especially in Kentucky, is growing every year. In 2000 Kentucky had more than 100 Japanese companies established. They totaled an investment of more than seven-billion dollars and employed more than 33-thousand Kentuckians.

In 2010 the number of Japanese companies in Kentucky stands at 175.