Panel: Debating Japan’s Economic Policy Challenges

Panel: Debating Japan’s Economic Policy Challenges

"International Convergence of Financial Regulatory Systems”                               

Yoshiaki Ando

Associate, Program on U.S.-Japan Relations, Harvard University, and Ministry of Finance

Mr. Ando earned his Bachelor of Law from Keio University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting from Lancaster University. His most recent position was Director, in charge of supervision over the Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corporation of Japan, at the Cabinet Office. His other previous positions include Director, Debt Management Policy Division; and Director of the National Property Management Department, Hokuriku Local Finance Bureau. Mr. Ando’s research at Harvard has focused on international conver­gence of financial regulatory systems.

"Energy Security in Post-3.11 Japan: Insights from Evidence in U.S. States”

Shusaku Kichise

Associate, Program on U.S.-Japan Relations, Harvard University, and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

Mr. Kichise earned his Bachelor of Laws from Kyoto University. His most recent posi­tion at METI was Deputy Director of the Policy Planning Division, Electricity and Gas Industry Department in the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy. He has also served as Deputy Director, Policy Planning and Coordination Division of the Minister’s Secretariat; and Assistant Director, Consumer Affairs Policy Division, Commerce and Distribution Policy Group, Commerce and Information Policy Bureau. While at Harvard, Mr. Kichise has examined Japan’s energy security after the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

“Food Self-Sufficiency and Agricultural Policy in Japan"

Makoto Yoshida

Associate, Program on U.S.-Japan Relations, Harvard University, and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Mr. Yoshida received his B.A. in Law from University of Tokyo. His most recent position at MAFF was Director of the National Forest Planning Division, Forestry Agency. He has also served as Director, Animal Health Division, Food Safety and Consumer Affairs Bureau; Secretary to Special Advisor to the Prime Minister in the Cabinet Secretariat; and Director, Policy Planning Division of the Minister’s Secretariat. Mr. Yoshida’s research at Harvard has focused on food self-sufficiency and agricultural policy in Japan.

Discussant: William W. Grimes

Professor and Chair, Department of International Relations, Boston University