The U.S. - Japan Alliance ~Economic Impact On North Texas - a podcast by World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth

In the first half of the twentieth century, the United States and Japan navigated a tumultuous relationship. When devastating attacks from both sides during World War II led both countries to a desire to avoid any future conflict, a strong alliance formed. Today, that alliance has grown into a closely intertwined friendship, as the American and Japanese economies work together for mutual benefit. Increasingly, North Texas is playing an important role in this critical alliance. More than 170 Japanese companies, including major companies like Toyota and Fujitsu, have made their homes in North Texas and provided job opportunities and services to the region.

In this program, we’ll dive into how DFW came to be a desired destination for Japanese businesses, explore the attraction and the mutual benefits to our population and the greater U.S. economy.

Panelist: Yasuhiro Uozumi is the executive director of Keidanren USA in Washington DC. He has been with the organization for more than 20 years. Uozumi is a certified public accountant and is known for his expertise in accounting, taxation, industrial policies, transportation, and emerging markets. His previous experience includes roles as secretary to the Keidanren chairman and as a researcher in accounting for the Program on U.S.-Japan Relations at Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs. He holds a B.A. in economics from the University of Tokyo and an M.B.A. from the University of Oxford.

Panelist: Masahiro (Mark) Ikeno is president and CEO of NEC Corporation America, a biometrics, communications technology, and IT solutions firm. In his current role, Ikeno manages business strategy, operations, and company leadership. Ikeno’s more than 30-year career has included management roles in international solutions sales for multiple organizations across several continents. He holds a bachelor’s degree in theoretical physics from Kyoto University.

Panelist: Yoichiro Suzuki is the senior vice president of Corporate Collaboration for NTT DATA Services. With 20 years of experience, including previous employment with the parent company, NTT DATA Corporation, he serves as a liaison to leadership in Japan and to other Japanese-based operations as well as a member of the board of directors at NTT DATA International L.L.C. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo.

Moderator: Shanti Shoji has served as Director of Programs for Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA since 2020 and has spent her entire career in U.S.-Japan relations. After working in Japan for six years in international exchange, she moved to Washington, DC where she worked at the Embassy of Japan and co-founded a U.S.-Japan virtual exchange organization for youth. Shoji has a M.A. in international communications from American University’s School of International Service and her B.A. in Japanese language and international studies from the University of Oregon.


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