September 19th, 2025

【5th Event of IIMA's 30th Anniversary Program】    

Revitalizing the Japanese Corporations: How to Comprehend and Take Advantage of Structural Changes in Asia and Around the World.

The global environment is undergoing a major transition due to rising geopolitical risks, climate change, and economic fragmentation. As institutional and industrial structures change, traditional business models are being disrupted by new economic mechanisms and shifts in the flow of technology and capital. In Asia, for example, the rapid growth in demand for clean energy and sustainable infrastructure presents new opportunities for Japanese corporations. However, these changes also require them to rebuild their competitiveness in the international market.

In this webinar, Mr. Masatsugu Asakawa, President of the Institute for International Monetary Affairs (IIMA) and former President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), discussed the economic outlook for Asia and emphasized the importance of high-quality infrastructure investment. He noted that infrastructure investment with a focus on quality, in line with the G20 Principles, is essential for sustainable economic growth. Mr. Asakawa also touched on the significance of addressing climate change, ensuring food security, and promoting digital transformation (DX).

Followed by, Professor Michiaki Tanaka of the Graduate School of Technology Management at Nippon Institute of Technology introduced the rapid advances in AI technologies around the world—particularly in the United States—focusing on AI agents and generative AI. Using the example of Suzuki, he explored how Japanese companies can find new opportunities and build sustainable competitiveness amid these global changes.

In the dialogue, Mr. Kenji Suzuki, Managing Director of IIMA, led and coordinated the discussion alongside Mr. Asakawa and Mr. Tanaka. It was a wide-ranging dialogue, including a Q&A, exploring what will be required of Japan and the world in the years ahead, such as developing global talent, fostering regional cooperation through frameworks like the TPP rather than division among nations, and the possibilities of AI to drive future growth.

Michiaki Tanaka Professor at the Graduate School of Technology Management, Nippon Institute of Technology

Masatsugu Asakawa President,  Institute for International Monetary Affairs

Takeshi Suzuki Managing Director,  Institute for International Monetary Affairs

Speakers (In no particular order)

Michiaki Tanaka       Presentation Slides
Professor at the Graduate School of Technology Management, Nippon Institute of Technology

Strategic consultant specializing in corporate, industrial, technological, financial, economic, and international strategic analysis. Has long served in financial institutions across Japan, the U.S., and Europe. Key publications include GAFA × BATH, Digital Capitalism in 2025, among many others. Holds an MBA from the University of Chicago.
 

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Masatsugu Asakawa     Presentation Slides
President, Institute for International Monetary Affairs (IIMA)

Joined the Ministry of Finance, Japan (MOF) in 1981. At MOF, before being appointed as Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs (2015-19), he held several senior positions, including Executive Secretary to the Prime Minister (2008-09), Deputy Vice Minister for Policy Planning and Coordination, and Director-General of the International Bureau. He also held senior roles at the IMF and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Additionally, he served as Chair of the Committee on Fiscal Affairs, OECD (2011-16), and as the President of ADB (2020-25). Since July 2025, he has been the President of the Institute for International Monetary Affairs (IIMA). He earned a BA from the University of Tokyo in 1981 and an MPA from Princeton University in 1985.

Coordinator

Takeshi Suzuki
Managing Director, Institute for International Monetary Affairs (IIMA)

Takeshi Suzuki graduated with a BA in Economics from Keio University and joined The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd. (now MUFG Bank) as a graduate in 1988. From 2014 to 2016, he was Executive Officer, Head of the Credit Division for the Americas, and Head of the International Credit Division for MUFG Bank between 2016 and 2018. In 2018, he became Managing Executive Officer, as the Head of Global Credit, Deputy Chief Executive of the Global Corporate & Investment Banking Business Unit and the Global Commercial Banking Business Unit for MUFG Bank. In 2020, he was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors and Audit & Supervisory Committee of MUFG Bank. Since June 2024, he has been Managing Director of the IIMA.