Japan-Texas Economic Summit
Join us for the 2026 Japan-Texas Economic Summit, a premier gathering dedicated to
advancing economic collaboration and innovation between Japan and Texas. Hosted by the
U.S.-Japan Council, this three-day summit will convene top business leaders, investors,
government officials, and economic development organizations to explore strategic
opportunities across sectors driving the future of both regions.
Date: May 11th –13th, 2026
Venue: Live! by Loews Hotel
Address: 600 E Randol Mill Road, Arlington, Texas, 76011
This year’s summit is proudly presented with the City of Arlington and the Arlington Economic Development Corporation as the title sponsors and host city and ABeam Consulting as the organizing sponsor. Their leadership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Japan-Texas ties and positioning the region as a global hub for innovation and investments.
Themes
The 2026 Summit will focus on high-growth sectors and strategic opportunities, including:
Cultural diplomacy through sports, entertainment, education, and cuisine
Energy transition and climate innovation
Advanced manufacturing and robotics
AI, cybersecurity, and the future of work
Healthcare innovation and biotech
Next-generation mobility, from autonomous vehicles to space
Cross-border finance, including the rise of the Texas Stock Exchange
Why Japan-Texas
Japan and Texas share a uniquely dynamic economic partnership rooted in long-term investment and shared values. Japan is Texas’s fifth-largest trading partner, with over $31.2 billion in total trade in 2023—including $13.1 billion in exports and $18.1 billion in imports. Japanese companies have launched 129 investment projects in Texas over the past decade, contributing nearly $10.9 billion in capital.
Today, over 400 Japanese companies operate in Texas, including major North American headquarters such as Toyota Motor North America and Daikin Comfort Technologies North America. Between 2011 and 2021, employment by Japanese firms grew 2.2x reaching over 75,000 jobs as of 2021, far exceeding the national average of 1.4x.
This partnership is built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to global leadership, highlighted by Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s leadership on Statements of Mutual Cooperation with both Governor of Tokyo Yuriko Koike and Governor of Aichi Prefecture Hideaki Ohmura. From state-level agreements and corporate alliances to university collaborations and cultural exchanges, Japan and Texas are shaping a multidimensional alliance that spans across industries and generations.
Why Now
Texas is not just growing—it’s on a historic trajectory to become the most populous state in America by 2045, with projections estimating over 42 million residents. This demographic surge is fueled by a powerful combination of internal migration, economic opportunity, and global investment appeal. As Texas rises, so does its influence—economically, politically, and culturally.
This momentum is matched by Japan’s own strategic transformation: revitalizing its global economic posture, investing in resilient supply chains, and deepening ties with trusted partners. In Texas alone, 67% of Japanese companies surveyed in 2023 planned to expand
operations within the next two years, citing strong market demand and customer receptivity.
The 2026 Japan-Texas Economic Summit comes at a defining moment with the opportunity to shape the next 20 years of economic growth. Join us in Arlington and help write the next chapter of U.S.-Japan collaboration.
67% of Japanese companies surveyed in 2023 planned to expand operations by 2025.
Stay Connected With Us
To explore the U.S.-Japan Council’s legacy of Japan-Texas collaboration, please see the extensive archive of the 2018 Japan-Texas Economic Summit. To receive updates on the 2026 Summit—including registration details, speaker announcements, and program highlights—please sign up with the form below. All additional inquiries can be directed to: [email protected].
