Thursday, May 2, 2024
2:00 pm
Japan Society, NYC

Keynote Sessions

U.S.-Japan Economic & Business Outlook for 2024 and Beyond

Amidst the backdrop of soaring Japan stocks and a resilient U.S. economy, the business landscape in the United States and Japan is characterized by growth and promising opportunities. In 2023, the U.S. economy demonstrated robust growth, carrying forward the positive momentum into 2024. Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei stock index soared to an all-time high in February 2024, propelled by optimistic expectations for strong corporate performance, surpassing the previous record set in 1989. As we venture further into 2024, questions loom regarding the trajectory of both economies. What lies ahead for the United States and Japan? How do global leaders perceive these pivotal markets? In this program, keynote speakers explore the current economic climate in the United States and Japan, and potential opportunities shaping the U.S.-Japan business landscape.

Keynote #1
Speaker:
Haruhiko Kuroda, Former Governor, Bank of Japan; Visiting Professor, International and Public Affairs, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University
Presider: 
Merit E. Janow, Dean Emerita, & Professor of Practice, School of International & Public Affairs, Columbia University; Chair of the Board of Directors, Japan Society

Keynote #2
Speakers:
Takeshi Niinami, President & CEO, Suntory Holdings Limited
Douglas Peterson, President & CEO, S&P Global

Presider: 
Eri Kakuta, Partner, PJT Partners

Panel Discussion

Technology Innovation in the U.S. & Japan: What’s Ahead?

The past decade has witnessed remarkable technological breakthroughs, from artificial intelligence to robots to electric vehicles, sparking competition among nations to remain at the forefront of progress. As technological advancement accelerates, countries such as the U.S. and Japan must strategically adapt to these shifts to maintain their competitive edge. In which areas do the U.S. and Japan excel in terms of technology, and how can they leverage each other’s strengths through collaboration? This program explores the digital transformation strategies of Japan and the U.S., discussing their stance on technology and innovation, identifying opportunities and challenges, and highlighting areas for potential cooperation between the two nations.
Speakers:
Linda Kirkpatrick, President, the Americas, Mastercard
Sidney Olinyk, Founder & CEO, Duco
Akihisa Shiozaki, Member, House of Representatives and Liberal Democratic Party; Parliamentary Vice-Minister, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan

Moderator:
Joshua W. Walker, Ph.D., President & CEO, Japan Society

​Master photographer Eikoh Hosoe gave a lecture at Japan Society.  He told episodes and process of working with other artists such as an author Yukio Mishima, and butoh dance founder Tatsumi Hijikata. Mr. Hosoe was fluent in English, and audience enjoyed mingling with him at the reception.