February 4th, 2026
【10th Event of IIMA's 30th Anniversary Program】
Shifting Global Decarbonization and Energy Strategy -Toward Practical Implementation through International Cooperation
Global efforts toward decarbonization and energy transition have entered a new stage. As concerns over energy security and global geopolitical shifts increase, countries are reconsidering more realistic strategies to balance climate action with economic and industrial growth. While international frameworks are becoming increasingly fluid due to recent shifts in U.S. policy, efforts toward sustainability are accelerating amid coexisting expectations for a wide range of technologies—including renewable energy—and challenges related to costs and investment conditions.
The Asia-Pacific region, responsible for about 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions, will be central to the success of this transition. Advancing decarbonization without hindering economic growth requires practical projects—supported by international institutions such as Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), as well as private-sector investment. In Japan, following the formulation of the 7th Strategic Energy Plan in 2025, the government, business, and financial sectors have moved into an “implementation phase” focused on concrete action.
This webinar will be moderated by Mr. Masatsugu Asakawa, President of IIMA and former President of the ADB. Expert speakers, including a former head of an international organization, a senior government official in the energy sector, and a business leader from Japan's energy industry, will discuss the latest trends in the global energy transition, the impact of U.S. policy, and the challenges facing Japan. Together, they will explore Japan’s role and practical paths to achieving both decarbonization and economic growth.
| Date ＆ Time | Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 16:00-17:30 (JST) |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | The Institute for International Monetary Affairs (IIMA) |
| Progress | Panelist Presentations and Panel Discussion |
| Event Style | Virtual Event via Zoom |
| Language | Japanese (Simultaneous English translation available) |
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To Apply |
Panelists
Hiroshi Matano
Former Executive Vice President, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)
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Hiroshi Matano was the Executive Vice President at the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and a member of the World Bank Group leadership team from 2019 to 2025. A native of Japan, he brings more than 35 years of experience in banking and finance. As Global Head of Structured Finance at MUFG, he managed assets across key global markets. He contributed to the merger of Mitsubishi UFJ Securities and Morgan Stanley Japan, and helping make the combined firm the leading investment bank in Japan. He received his bachelor's degree from the Department of Economics at Keio University and his master's degree from the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University.
Shin Hosaka
Executive Senior Vice President, INPEX
Former Vice-Minister for International Affairs, METI
Former Commissioner, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy
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Shin Hosaka serves as Senior Executive Vice President of INPEX, a role he assumed in January 2026 after joining the company in October 2025. He previously served as Senior Advisor to Mizuho Bank, Ltd. and held key leadership positions at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), including Vice-Minister for International Affairs and Commissioner of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy. He also served as Director-General of the Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau. He graduated from the University of Tokyo.
Kazuo Sakairi
Corporate Vice President, Managing Executive Officer, Director and CFO, JERA Co., Inc.
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Kazuo Sakairi, prior to joining JERA in April 2019, was Managing Director and Head of the Asia region for GCA Corporation (currently Houlihan Lokey), a leading global M&A advisory firm. He has over 25 years of M&A advisory experience working in Tokyo and NY for leading Japanese financial institutions as well as for GCA. He obtained a degree in political science from Keio University in 1987.
Moderator
Masatsugu Asakawa
President, Institute for International Monetary Affairs (IIMA)
Masatsugu Asakawa 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.