Koichi Hamada

Koichi Hamada, a distinguished figure in the realms of politics, geopolitics, economics and international relations, has profoundly impacted these fields through his extensive career and scholarly contributions. As the Tuntex Professor Emeritus of Economics at Yale University, specialising in the Japanese economy and international economics, and a Special Economic Adviser to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Koichi stands as a beacon of knowledge and influence. Japanese newspapers often celebrate Koichi as "the brains behind Abenomics", highlighting his critical advisory role in shaping Japan's economic policy. His contributions are not only recognised domestically but also internationally, as evidenced by his imperial decoration, the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Star, Japan’s second-highest honour and the highest bestowed upon a civil servant.

Koichi's tenure at Yale University since 1986 and his role as the Tuntex Professor of Economics since 2005 underscore his academic excellence. His research delves into various critical areas, including international capital movements, regional integration, the political economy of international monetary reform and the comparative economic functions of Japanese and U.S. legal systems. His pioneering game-theoretic study of international monetary relations underscores his innovative approach, bringing attention to the strategic aspects of macroeconomic policy in interdependent nations. Internationally, Koichi's expertise has been sought after by prominent organisations. He was a member of the external evaluation team of the IMF's Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility Programme and a Senior Advisor for the Economic Research Institute of the Japanese Government. Furthermore, his counsel was instrumental in the WTO's direction, advising Directors General Mike Moore and Supachai Panitchpakdi.

Koichi's influence extends into academic circles, where he is an elected Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a Fellow of the Econometric Society and has served in various prestigious positions, including as President of the Japanese Association of Economics and Econometrics. His editorial roles in numerous journals and his groundbreaking work, such as "The Political Economy of International Monetary Interdependence", demonstrate his scholarly prominence. In summary, Koichi Hamada is a luminary in economics and international relations, with a profound impact on both academic thought and practical policy-making. His expertise in the Japanese economy, international economics and his strategic role in shaping economic policies place him at the forefront of global economic discourse - making him a perfect keynote speaker for events focused on geopolitics and economics.