In this Energy Policy Seminar, Hisashi Yoshikawa, Project Professor of the Institute for Future Initiatives at the University of Tokyo, and Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director Emeritus of the International Energy Agency, will discuss emerging trends in Japan's energy system. Mr. Yoshikawa will set the context with a talk entitled, "The Recent Development of Energy and Nuclear in Japan." Mr. Tanaka will then present, "New Geopolitics of Energy: The Role of Nuclear Power and the Implication to Japan."
Professor Joe Aldy will moderate. Q&A to follow. Lunch will be served.
Registration: RSVP required. A Harvard University ID is required for in-person attendance; all are welcome to attend via Zoom.
Recording: The seminar will be recorded and available to watch on the Belfer Center's YouTube channel.
Accessibility: To request accommodations or who have questions about access, please contact Elizabeth Hanlon-Warren (ehanlon@hks.harvard.edu) in advance of the session.
About the Speakers
Hisashi Yoshikawa is a Project Professor of the Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI), the University of Tokyo. Before he started to work in the University in September 2011, he worked both in the International Energy Agency (IEA) as Senior Advisor for Long-Term Policy and in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as Deputy Director of the Directorate of Science, Technology and Industry (STI). He also worked in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of the Japanese Government and held director positions including Director of the Service Affairs Policy Division and Director of the Petroleum Distribution Division. His interests include policy planning and implementation, particularly in the field of energy and climate change. He received Master’s degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, in 1987 and a BA in law from the University of Tokyo in 1981. He also works as a Researcher in the Canon Institute for Global Strategy (CIGS).
Nobuo Tanaka is Chairman of the steering committee of the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF), which was established by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2014. He was Chairman and President of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation for 2015-2020. As Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) from 2007 to 2011, he initiated a collective release of oil stocks in June 2011. He also played a crucial and personal role in the strengthening of ties with major non-Member energy players, including China and India. He began his career in 1973 in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and has served in a number of high-ranking positions, including Director-General of the Multilateral Trade System Department. He was deeply engaged in bilateral trade issues with the United States as Minister for Industry, Trade and Energy at the Embassy of Japan, Washington, D.C. He has also served twice as Director for Science, Technology and Industry (DSTI) of the Paris-based international organization, OECD. As CEO of Tanaka Global Inc, he advises several Japanese and International companies. He graduated from University of Tokyo and has an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. He is currently a Distinguished Fellow at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy and the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ). He chairs the Study Group on Next Generation Nuclear Energy Utilization at Canon Institute of Global Studies (CIGS).
