The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) will host a Business Outlook in 2026 seminar on Thursday, February 12, as part of its ongoing Business Seminar Series. The event brings together senior executives and advisors who shape global economic and investment strategies, offering Japanese and American professionals timely insights into the evolving economic landscape.
The program features George Goncalves, Managing Director at MUFG (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group), Japan's largest financial institution and one of the world's leading global banks. Goncalves, a widely cited economist and frequent guest on Bloomberg TV, will present "The U.S. 2026 Outlook," examining the evolving K-shaped economy and interest rate implications for global markets. His analysis will provide attendees with critical perspectives on how divergent economic recoveries might affect investment decisions and international trade flows between the two nations.
Also speaking is Seiji Ohtomo, Senior Vice President at Taisei Corporation USA, representing one of Japan's top five construction and real estate development firms. With nearly two decades of experience in global real estate investment and urban development, Ohtomo will share insights into Japanese real estate strategy and overseas investment trends in the U.S. market. This presentation is particularly significant given Japan's historical role as a major foreign investor in American commercial and residential real estate, offering clues about where capital might flow in 2026.
The discussion will be moderated by Josh Whitworth, Tax Partner at The Bonadio Group, who specializes in international tax compliance and consulting. Additional expert perspectives will be provided by Richard Bigham, Assurance Partner, and Jay Jerose, Advisory and Consulting Partner at The Bonadio Group. These professionals will cover M&A activity, tariffs, tax planning, and business advisory considerations impacting cross-border operations in 2026. Their combined expertise addresses the complex regulatory environment that companies face when operating between Japan and the United States, making this information vital for businesses navigating international expansion or partnership opportunities.
The event will take place at The Bonadio Group's Dallas office and is designed to inform and connect professionals through meaningful dialogue. With registration limited to 50 attendees, the seminar offers an intimate setting for networking and in-depth discussion. More information and registration details are available at https://www.jasdfw.org/event/business-outlook-in-2026/.
This seminar matters because it provides actionable intelligence at a time of significant economic transition. The K-shaped economy presentation will help businesses understand which sectors might thrive while others struggle, allowing for more strategic planning. The real estate insights could influence investment decisions in commercial properties, infrastructure, and development projects across the United States. Furthermore, the tax and regulatory guidance is crucial for companies seeking to optimize their cross-border operations amid evolving trade policies and compliance requirements. For professionals in North Texas and beyond, this event represents a rare opportunity to gain consolidated expertise from leaders in finance, construction, and international business advisory, all focused on the specific dynamics of U.S.-Japan economic relations in the coming year.
