A Two-Day Forum on Business, Culture, and Connection
March 20–21, 2026 | Hot Springs • Little Rock • Scott, Arkansas
Overview
Japan–AR: Bilateral Connection & Economic Impact is a two-day forum bringing together leaders from business, government, education, agriculture, and cultural organizations to explore the depth and future potential of Arkansas–Japan relationships.
The forum highlights how long-standing people-to-people and cultural connections can evolve into strong economic partnerships—supporting investment, workforce development, innovation, and community growth across Arkansas.
The event is presented by the Committee for Japan America Society Arkansas, the Hot Springs Sister City Program, and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, with funding support from the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C., in partnership with the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS).
Dates, Locations & Format
Friday, March 20, 2026
Hot Springs Convention Center | Hot Springs, Arkansas
Day One focuses on business, economic development, and industry, grounded in the cultural relationships that have shaped Arkansas–Japan engagement over decades.
Highlights include:
- Welcome with tea and networking
- Opening reflections on cultural and community connections
- National and state perspectives on U.S.–Japan engagement
- Keynote luncheon on Arkansas’s economic development strategy
- Panel discussion featuring Japanese companies operating in Arkansas
- Conversations on language education and workforce development
- Perspectives from the Japanese Consulate General
- Agriculture and food as global business connectors
The day concludes with an off-site tour and reception at Origami Sake, highlighting a successful Arkansas–Japan collaboration rooted in agriculture, craft, and entrepreneurship.
Saturday, March 21, 2026 – Morning
Port of Little Rock | Little Rock, Arkansas
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
The morning session centers on trade, logistics, and investment, examining Arkansas’s role in domestic and international supply chains and its attractiveness for global partners.
Topics include:
- Overview of port operations and intermodal logistics
- Arkansas’s role in national and international trade, including Asia
- Business climate and investment readiness
- The role of Japan–America societies as economic and cultural platforms
- Case studies and discussion on building sustainable state-level Japan–U.S. engagement
Saturday, March 21, 2026 – Afternoon
Spring Sakura Matsuri | Arkansas Agricultural Museum | Scott, Arkansas
The forum concludes with a cultural and community gathering at the Spring Sakura Matsuri, celebrating seasonal traditions and shared agricultural and cultural heritage.
Afternoon experience includes:
- Cherry blossom celebration and cultural performances
- Food, agriculture, and seasonal activities
- Informal networking and continued conversation
Participants from Friday’s sessions are encouraged to bring family members and colleagues to experience this public-facing celebration of Arkansas–Japan connections.
Speakers & Participants
Speakers and participants will include:
- Arkansas and Japanese business leaders
- Economic development professionals
- Representatives from Japanese companies operating in Arkansas
- Leaders in education, agriculture, and cultural exchange
- Government and diplomatic representatives
A full speaker list will be announced as confirmations are finalized.
This two day forum is free but registration is required
Registration & Information
Registration details will be released soon.
Lunch on Friday and breakfast on Saturday morning are included.
For updates, partnership opportunities, or questions about participation, please contact:
japansocietyar@gmail.com
or Mary Zunick, Honorary Consul of Japan for Arkansas
📞 501-545-6960