The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) convened approximately 100 business leaders, policymakers, scholars, and community members at Southern Methodist University (SMU) for Japan Currents 2026, focusing on the theme "Innovation and Growth: Urbanization and Globalization in the U.S.–Japan Partnership." This annual program, presented by JASDFW 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, expanding its reach beyond the physical venue.
The event 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, who previously served as Bureau Chief in Washington DC and Berlin. Sugeno addressed "Sanaenomics and the U.S.–Japan Relationship — Will Japan Really Gain Momentum for Change?" examining Japan's recent snap election results, economic challenges, and opportunities through emerging policy debates. His analysis provided a foundation for understanding the political and economic dynamics shaping bilateral cooperation.
A dynamic afternoon panel expanded the conversation with perspectives from industry and academia experts, including Chris Carter, General Manager and Executive Program Manager for 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). 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 discussion connected the 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 connection, with conversations continuing throughout the luncheon and networking breaks as guests exchanged perspectives across sectors. This interaction linked corporate strategy to public policy and local opportunity to global partnership, reinforcing North Texas' role as an active hub in the U.S.–Japan relationship. The event 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, designed to elevate thoughtful, regionally grounded dialogue on U.S.–Japan cooperation. For more information on the series, visit https://www.us-japan.org.
The implications of this dialogue are significant for industries, policymakers, and communities engaged in international trade and innovation. As urbanization and globalization accelerate, forums like Japan Currents provide critical insights into how the U.S. and Japan can collaborate on technology, economic policy, and strategic investments. The participation of companies such as Toyota Motor North America and institutions like the University of Montana highlights the cross-sector relevance of these discussions, potentially influencing future partnerships and economic growth in regions like North Texas and beyond.
