Japan Currents 2026 Forum Explores Innovation and Growth in U.S.-Japan Partnership

The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) convened approximately 100 business leaders, policymakers, scholars, and community members for Japan Currents 2026 at Southern Methodist University (SMU). The event focused on the theme "Innovation and Growth: Urbanization and Globalization in the U.S.–Japan Partnership." This annual program is presented by JASDFW in partnership with the SMU Tower Center and receives support from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Japan Currents series. The event was also streamed live to additional attendees across the country via the network of National Japan America Societies.

The program began with a keynote luncheon featuring Mikio Sugeno, Senior Editorial Writer and Senior Staff Writer at Nikkei Inc. and Chair of the Editorial Board at Nikkei. Sugeno, who previously served as Bureau Chief in Washington DC and Berlin, delivered remarks titled "Sanaenomics and the U.S.–Japan Relationship — Will Japan Really Gain Momentum for Change?" His analysis examined Japan's recent snap election results, economic challenges, and opportunities through emerging policy debates.

A dynamic afternoon panel expanded the conversation with perspectives from industry and academia experts. Panelists included Chris Carter, General Manager and Executive Program Manager of R&D Advanced Product Planning at Toyota Motor North America; Russell Keith, Head of Global Marketing and Portfolio Offerings at 1Finity (formerly Fujitsu Network); Dr. Kristin Vekasi, Mansfield Chair of Japan and Indo-Pacific Affairs at the University of Montana; and Mike Chmielecki, Senior System Solutions Architect at Nomura Research Institute (NRI). The discussion was moderated by Dr. Hiroki Takeuchi, Associate Professor and Director of the Sun & Star Japan and East Asia Program at the SMU Tower Center for Public Policy and International Affairs.

The panel connected the forum's theme to real-world decision-making, exploring how organizations navigate rapid change, shifting investment patterns, and evolving geopolitical and market realities. Beyond formal presentations, Japan Currents emphasized networking and connection. Conversations continued throughout the luncheon and networking breaks as guests exchanged perspectives across sectors, linking corporate strategy to public policy and local opportunity to global partnership. This interaction reinforced North Texas' role as an active hub in the U.S.–Japan relationship.

Japan Currents is part of a national public affairs series inaugurated by the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS) with support from the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC. The series aims to elevate thoughtful, regionally grounded dialogue on U.S.–Japan cooperation. The forum's discussions highlighted the importance of sustained bilateral engagement in addressing shared challenges related to innovation, urbanization, and global growth, underscoring the strategic value of such exchanges in strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations.