DALLAS–FORT WORTH, TX, February 25, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) welcomed approximately 100 business leaders, policymakers, scholars, and community members to Japan Currents 2026 at Southern Methodist University (SMU) for a timely exchange on this year's theme, "Innovation and Growth: Urbanization and Globalization in the U.S.–Japan Partnership." The annual program is presented by JASDFW in partnership with the SMU Tower Center and is supported by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Japan Currents series. In addition, this event was streamed live to additional attendees across the country through the network of National Japan America Societies.

The program opened with a keynote luncheon featuring Mikio Sugeno, Senior Editorial Writer / Senior Staff Writer at Nikkei Inc. and Chair of Editorial Board at Nikkei. He also previously served as the Bureau Chief of 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 remarkable recent snap election results, economic challenges and opportunities through the lens of emerging policy debates.

A dynamic afternoon panel expanded the conversation for the theme with perspectives from industry and academia experts, including:

Chris Carter, General Manager and Executive Program Manager, R&D Advanced Product Planning, Toyota Motor North America
Russell Keith, Head of Global Marketing and Portfolio Offerings, 1Finity (formerly Fujitsu Network)
Dr. Kristin Vekasi, Mansfield Chair of Japan and Indo-Pacific Affairs, University of Montana
Mike Chmielecki, Senior System Solutions Architect, 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—how organizations navigate rapid change, shifting investment patterns, and evolving geopolitical and market realities.

Beyond the stage, Japan Currents delivered what attendees value most: 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—reinforcing 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, designed to elevate thoughtful, regionally grounded dialogue on U.S.–Japan cooperation.

About JASDFW
The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth strengthens U.S.–Japan relations through education, business collaboration, and cultural exchange, serving as a vital connector for professionals across North Texas.

Media Contact:
Margaret McKoin
817.403.0866
[email protected]

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