What do emojis, QR codes, hybrid vehicles, anime and video games have in common? They are all products of Japan's unique approach to creativity and innovation. In this talk, Hiroaki Niihara — who played a key role in the national government to develop Japan's modern approaches to economics — shares insights from decades of experience in government and industry.
Through examples of pioneering technologies produced in Japan, he will highlight how the country's trends in organizational structure, talent development and creative thinking drive innovation. With a career spanning over 40 years, including leadership roles at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Niihara played a leading role in formulating Japan's growth and distribution policies under the Abe and Kishida administrations.
This public lecture series is organized by the Peter F. Cowhey Center on Global Transformation at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS).
Admission/Cost: FREE Please Register
Location:
UCSD
9835 International Ln, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - 12:30 PM
