The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) hosted approximately 100 business leaders, policymakers, scholars, and community members at Southern Methodist University for the Japan Currents 2026 forum, 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, represents a critical platform for bilateral dialogue at a time of significant global economic transition. The event was also streamed live to additional attendees across the country through the network of National Japan America Societies, broadening its impact beyond the North Texas region.
The importance of this gathering lies in its direct engagement with the forces reshaping both economies. The forum's theme connects directly to real-world challenges and opportunities, from technological disruption and urban development to shifting supply chains and investment flows. For business leaders and policymakers, understanding these dynamics is essential for crafting strategies that can withstand geopolitical shifts and capitalize on new markets. The discussions at Japan Currents 2026 provide a fact-based, expert-driven analysis of these trends, offering valuable insights for decision-making in both the public and private sectors.
The program opened with a keynote luncheon featuring Mikio Sugeno, Senior Editorial Writer and Chair of the Editorial Board at Nikkei Inc., who examined "Sanaenomics and the U.S.–Japan Relationship — Will Japan Really Gain Momentum for Change?" His analysis of Japan's recent snap election results and economic policy debates provided crucial context for understanding Japan's domestic political landscape and its implications for international partnership. This keynote set the stage for a deeper exploration of how national policies intersect with global economic forces.
A subsequent panel expanded the conversation with perspectives from industry and academia, 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 the SMU Tower Center, the discussion connected the forum's theme to practical organizational challenges, such as navigating rapid technological change, adapting to shifting investment patterns, and responding to evolving geopolitical realities. This panel underscored the forum's value in translating high-level themes into actionable intelligence for professionals.
Beyond the formal presentations, the event facilitated vital networking, allowing guests to exchange perspectives across sectors and reinforce North Texas's role as an active hub in the U.S.–Japan relationship. These connections are a key outcome, as they foster the cross-border collaboration necessary to address shared challenges. The Japan Currents series is a national public affairs program inaugurated by the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS) with support from the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC, designed to elevate thoughtful, regionally grounded dialogue. More information on the series can be found at https://www.us-japan.org.
The implications of this dialogue are significant for multiple stakeholders. For the business community, insights into innovation and urbanization trends can inform investment and market-entry strategies. For policymakers, understanding the geopolitical dimensions of the U.S.-Japan partnership is crucial for fostering stable economic growth. For academics and researchers, the forum highlights pressing questions for further study. In a world marked by uncertainty, sustained, informed dialogue between allied nations like the United States and Japan is not merely beneficial but essential for coordinating responses to global challenges and seizing opportunities for mutual prosperity.
