by Elly Keinan, Group President at Kyndryl
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s visit to the United States this week underscores the durability of the Japan-US relationship. At such times, geopolitical tensions and trade debates can dominate headlines, making it is easy to overlook the enormously productive partnerships linking Japanese and US industry. Such relationships, built over many decades, show how aligned values, trusted infrastructure and open digital frameworks can deliver growth and stability for both countries.
In my global role at Kyndryl, I see firsthand how Japan-US industry alignment delivers tangible outcomes on both sides of the Pacific. This cooperation in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and mission-critical systems provides the operational backbone that underpins our interconnected digital economy across all sectors. That foundation, in turn, makes high-quality cross-border digital trade possible for cloud computing services, financial technology (Fintech), logistics and inventory services, licensed software, content, digital products and more.
Technology collaboration has provided continuity for critical enterprises in Japan and the United States, even as the global environment has grown more complex. Indeed, delivering innovation to the market is a top priority for each nation, and common rules allow for co-development of new technologies and efficient deployment. For example, US technology companies are well-positioned in AI and quantum computing, while Japan has great strength in robotics and advanced manufacturing. This enables innovation to flow both ways and contributes to economic activity, jobs and lasting growth.
Operationally, this makes the deployment of technologies across borders easier. It also enables Japan-headquartered companies to operate at scale in the United States with the confidence that their digital foundations are secure, resilient and trusted.
This openness drives growth.
The Japan-US relationship depends on digital infrastructure, data flows and trusted technology services, not just physical goods.
The Japan-US relationship depends on digital infrastructure, data flows and trusted technology services, not just physical goods. The Japan-US Digital Trade Agreement has helped codify and reinforce this reality. That agreement — and other agreements patterned after it — enable data to move freely across borders, prevent governments from imposing cumbersome data-localization requirements, and eliminate tariffs on digital products.
It is vital that we continue to use international agreements to keep digital trade open, secure, and predictable so businesses can innovate and operate across borders. The Japan-US Digital Trade Agreement positions Japan and the United States as standard-setters for digital trade rules worldwide.
Finally, Japan-US digital partnerships help build more resilient systems in the face of ongoing cybersecurity challenges. Companies depend on resilient systems that operate continuously, regardless of geography. Technology organizations in both countries are advancing this through new secure-by-design principles and greater cooperation, making resilience and security an economic imperative.
This past fall, I met with the honorable George Glass, the US Ambassador to Japan. We reflected on the shared technology priorities that unite our nations: resilience, digital innovation and spurring economic growth. As Japan and the United States look ahead, the strength of their partnership will be defined by execution. Digital trade, trusted infrastructure and industry-to-industry collaboration offer a model for how aligned economies can deliver shared progress. If industry is also aligned, the relationship will endure — and the foundations for long-term stability will remain strong.
