Regional economics—Considering economics from the perspective of “space”
Professor SUDA Masaya
When you hear the term “regional economics,” you may think that it refers to an academic discipline that examines the economy of a specific region. However, this is not the case. Regional economics is a discipline that adds the element of “space” to the theory of economics in order to consider in concrete terms what measures need to be taken against diverse economic issues that we face in reality. In this column, I will introduce to you the basics of regional economics by highlighting several economic activities, while considering where they take place or should take place.
(This column is as of 2018.)
Exploring Better Relationships between Corporations and their Employees
Professor YAMASHITA Masaru
After World War II, Japanese corporations achieved growth by spurring their employees to share the top management’s philosophy and values and take pride in the company they worked for. Society became prosperous and people started working with diverse motivations including “for personal fulfillment” and “to earn money.” Then, the bubble economy burst and corporations’ financial standing weakened. Furthermore, the poorly adopted merit-based pay system undermined the relationship between individuals and corporations, which accelerated the weakening of the latter. It must be reaffirmed that companies are sustained by the people who work for them. In this column, I would like to look at how struggling Japanese corporations should rebuild their relationship with their employees in order to regain their strength, and elaborate on the new forms of relationships between organizations and individuals that match the Japanese corporate culture.
(This column is as of 2015.)
Professional Graduate School of International Management
Can Railways Survive?
Professor FUKUI Yoshitaka
There has been a lot of news about Japan’s railway industry in recent years, with the Tokaido Shinkansen marking the 50th anniversary of the launch of its operation last year, the Hokuriku Shinkansen started service on March 14 this year, and the construction of the Linear (SCMAGLEV) Chuo Shinkansen is scheduled to begin this summer. However, as transport volume is expected to decrease in the era of population decline, is it really necessary to develop and expand the railroad network across Japan any further? This column looks squarely at the current situation of rail transportation and explores possible future courses for this mode of transport.
(This column is as of 2015.)
The Japanese government announced in March 2013 that Japan would participate in the TPP. Frequently mentioned in news and newspapers, “TPP” has become a familiar term to us. But what is the TPP in the first place? Why is Japan participating in the TPP negotiations? In this column I will explain the TPP and examine the reasons for participating in the negotiations from both political and economic aspects.
(This column is as of 2013.)
In April 2014, it was decided that the rate of the Value-Added Tax in Japan (here in after “VAT”) would be raised to 8%. Did you approve of the tax hike, or disapprove? When it comes to taxes, we tend to think that they are being “stolen” from us. However, the function of taxes is therefore to contribute to the financial resources necessary for the nation we belong to. Its uses should also be decided by the citizens of a particular. Let’s take this opportunity to review the mechanisms of taxes and their use.
Professional Graduate School of International Management
Considering Management, Organization and Society through Social Networks
Professor NAKANO Tsutomu
When you hear the term “social network,” most of you probably think of social media and online communications. However, the concept of a social network is in fact one that was initially contrived in the study of the competitive and cooperative relationships among people in organizations and society. To live well in contemporary society, I would encourage you to learn about and obtain an in-depth understanding of social networks and make full use of your knowledge.
(This column is as of 2013.)
“Abenomics.” Hardly a day goes by without hearing this term being mentioned. It is a “nickname” for the economic policies of the second Abe administration. Here, I would like to explain what Abenomics is, as well as identify what is necessary for the revival of the Japanese economy and what could be its savior.
(This column is as of 2013.)
Linking Economic Effects of Tourism to Japan’s Economic Recovery
Professor NAGAHASHI Toru
Tourism is a kind of leisure activity enjoyed by many. This column focuses on tourism by tracing its history and discussing its role as a form of trade and a major industry that underpins the Japanese economy. What should Japan do for the future as a tourism-oriented country?
(This column is as of 2012.)
School of International Politics, Economics and Communication
Are Taxes for Health Effective?
Professor UCHIDA Tatsuya
Taxes for health promotion, such as those on tobacco, potato chips, and sugary drinks, are attracting international attention. In this column, I examine how effective these taxes are, from an economist’s point of view.
(This column is as of 2012.)
