Globinar Beyond Borders — Japan, U.S. & Spain Opportunities

Global Chamber® Tokyo hosted the Cross Metro Meetup: Globinar Beyond Borders — Japan, U.S. & Spain 2026 Opportunities on Friday, December 4th (Thursday, December 4 in the Americas) that brought together global leaders, advisors, and executives focused on international business growth across three key regions: Japan, the United States, and Spain.

Listen to the globinar HERE

The globinar was held virtually to accommodate participants across multiple time zones.

Attendees came from North America and Europe... to across Asia. The session convened business leaders within Japan and across global markets. The discussion explored emerging opportunities, early-stage trends, and strategic considerations shaping cross-border expansion looking ahead.

The globinar was facilitated by Doug Bruhnke, Founder and CEO of Global Chamber®, the program “scratched the surface” of a wide range of opportunities, setting the stage for deeper follow-on conversations and future programs across regions - next in the first quarter of 2026.

Event Highlights

The Globinar featured five expert speakers representing government, consulting, investment, sustainability, and global market expansion—each offering region-specific insights and practical perspectives for companies navigating international growth.

Speakers included:

• Kaoru Nishinakagawa, Global Advisor, Global Chamber® Tokyo & Sydney

• Brian Swords, Business Consultant; Retired, Consulate General of Japan

• Adam Claydon-Platt, Head of Commercial, CarterIGNITE (Carter Group)

• Susanne Walloscheck, Head of Research & Client Service, CarterIGNITE (Carter Group)

• Yuka Nakasone, Executive Director, Global Chamber® Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia & Málaga

The speakers provided a multidimensional view of how Japanese companies and those from around the world can approach growth, partnerships, and investment across mature and emerging markets… in these regions.

Key Themes & Insights

1. Japan-Centered Global Expansion Requires Cross-Cultural Design

Kaoru Nishinakagawa emphasized the importance of business design, service design, and customer-centric innovation when entering or expanding across regions. Her perspective highlighted how aligning strategy with local market needs—while maintaining global scalability—is essential for long-term success.

2. U.S.–Japan Economic Ties Continue to Create Opportunity

Drawing on more than three decades of experience with the Consulate General of Japan, Brian Swords shared insights into the strength and resilience of U.S.–Japan economic relations. He highlighted opportunities in trade, investment, green technology, and semiconductors, underscoring the importance of trusted institutional and private-sector partnerships.

3. Sustainability and Energy Are Strategic Growth Drivers

Adam Claydon-Platt and Susanne Walloscheck of CarterIGNITE discussed how renewable energy, ESG alignment, and sustainability-focused investments are increasingly shaping market entry strategies in Japan. Their insights reflected growing demand for solutions that address Japan’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

4. Spain as a Gateway to Europe and Beyond

From Spain, Yuka Nakasone shared perspectives on how Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga are positioning themselves as attractive hubs for international expansion. She emphasized the role of cultural intelligence, emerging technologies, and human-centered leadership in successful cross-border growth.

5. Early Conversations Create Future Advantage

Rather than attempting to cover everything in one session, the Globinar intentionally opened the conversation—allowing participants to identify areas for deeper exploration. This approach reinforced the value of ongoing engagement and relationship-building across Global Chamber®’s global ecosystem.

Reflections on the Globinar

The Tokyo Cross Metro Meetup demonstrated the power of global dialogue anchored in regional expertise. By connecting leaders across Japan, the U.S., and Spain, the event delivered actionable insights while fostering meaningful relationships that extend beyond a single program.

As businesses prepare for 2026 and beyond, these early discussions—supported by Global Chamber®’s worldwide platform—help organizations anticipate trends, mitigate risk, and uncover new pathways for sustainable growth.

More in-depth programs across these regions are planned, continuing the conversation and building on the momentum created during this session.