When I was 12 years old, I learned about Dr. Albert Schweitzer, the renowned humanitarian physician who devoted his life to underserved regions of Africa. Inspired by his example, I began to dream of becoming a doctor serving developing countries.

After graduating from high school, I started a small business with my uncle in Tokyo to save money to travel to the United States. In 1965, at the age of 20, I left for the United States with a one-way ticket and only $500 in my pocket.

Through hard work and perseverance, I pursued my studies and earned a Ph.D. in Development Economics from the University of Hawai‘i in 1974. I subsequently served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Hawai‘i, worked as a staff member of the United Nations, and later as a researcher at a Japanese development assistance organization.

In 1997, I became independent and founded "Japan Development Institute (JDI)", through which I have continued to engage in development consulting and international cooperation activities.

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Over the past 40 years, JDI has been involved in more than 350 nation-building projects in 75 countries. A distinctive feature of JDI’s approach is that, as “doctors of development,” we diagnose the challenges faced by each country, prescribe appropriate solutions, ensure that the necessary measures are implemented, and act with the highest priority on addressing these issues.

While improvements across all sectors are essential for the development and prosperity of developing countries, we believe that one of the most important factors is attracting both domestic and international private investment and creating meaningful employment opportunities for local people.

JDI will continue its mission as a “doctor for the countries of the world,” contributing to sustainable development and nation-building through practical and effective solutions.