The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) hosted approximately 100 business leaders, policymakers, scholars, and community members at Southern Methodist University for Japan Currents 2026, focusing on "Innovation and Growth: Urbanization and Globalization in the U.S.–Japan Partnership." This annual program, presented in partnership with the SMU Tower Center and supported by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Japan Currents series, was also streamed live to additional attendees across the country through the network of National Japan America Societies.
The event's importance lies in its timing and focus on critical economic issues affecting both nations. As urbanization accelerates globally and technological innovation reshapes industries, the U.S.-Japan partnership faces both challenges and opportunities in maintaining competitive advantage and fostering sustainable growth. The forum provided a platform for examining how these macro-trends influence corporate strategy, investment decisions, and policy development in an increasingly interconnected world.
The program opened with a keynote luncheon featuring Mikio Sugeno, Senior Editorial Writer and Senior Staff Writer at Nikkei Inc. and Chair of Editorial Board at Nikkei, who previously served as Bureau Chief in Washington DC and Berlin. Sugeno's remarks examined "Sanaenomics and the U.S.–Japan Relationship — Will Japan Really Gain Momentum for Change?" exploring Japan's recent snap election results, economic challenges, and opportunities through emerging policy debates. His analysis provided crucial context for understanding Japan's current political-economic landscape and its implications for international partnerships.
A dynamic afternoon panel expanded the conversation with perspectives from industry and academia experts, including Chris Carter of Toyota Motor North America, Russell Keith of 1Finity (formerly Fujitsu Network), Dr. Kristin Vekasi of the University of Montana, and Mike Chmielecki of Nomura Research Institute. Moderated by Dr. Hiroki Takeuchi of SMU's Sun & Star Japan and East Asia Program, the discussion connected the theme to real-world decision-making—how organizations navigate rapid change, shifting investment patterns, and evolving geopolitical and market realities.
The implications of these discussions are significant for multiple stakeholders. For businesses operating in both countries, the forum highlighted how urbanization trends create new market opportunities while demanding innovative approaches to infrastructure, transportation, and sustainability. For policymakers, the dialogue underscored the importance of aligning regulatory frameworks to support cross-border innovation while addressing shared challenges like climate change and economic inequality. The event reinforced North Texas' role as an active hub in the U.S.–Japan relationship, demonstrating how regional economic centers can drive international collaboration.
Japan Currents is part of a national public affairs series inaugurated by the National Association of Japan-America Societies with support from the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC, designed to elevate thoughtful, regionally grounded dialogue on U.S.–Japan cooperation. The 2026 forum's focus on innovation and urbanization comes at a critical juncture as both nations seek to strengthen economic ties amid global uncertainty, making these conversations essential for shaping future collaborative initiatives. Beyond formal presentations, the event facilitated valuable networking opportunities where guests exchanged perspectives across sectors—linking corporate strategy to public policy, and local opportunity to global partnership—creating connections that could translate into tangible business and policy outcomes.
