CJEB News

We are proud to share that on February 15, 2024, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon was conferred on Professor David E. Weinstein, the Carl S. Shoup Professor of the Japanese Economy at Columbia University and Director of the Center on Japanese Economy and Business at Columbia Business School.The ceremony was led by H.E. Ambassador Mikio Mori, the Consul General of Japan in New York, and the conferment ceremony was held at the Ambassador’s Residence in New York.The Order of the Rising Sun, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji, was Japan’s first award. It is conferred on behalf of the Emperor of Japan as one of the highest honors bestowed by the Japanese government on people who have rendered distinguished service to Japan.   The conferral recognizes Professor Weinstein’s significant contributions to promoting academic exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. Professor Weinstein’s long-standing commitment to studying and understanding the Japanese economy and his dedication to research and cross-cultural exchange embody the spirit of this prestigious award. “I am profoundly honored to receive the medal tonight from Ambassador Mori in the presence of my family, colleagues, and friends. It is a deeply moving recognition of my research and efforts to expand the world’s understanding of Japan’s economy and business system,” Professor Weinstein said upon receiving the medal. 

We are pleased to share information about two incredible courses that will be taught by the Former Governor of the Bank of Japan, Haruhiko Kuroda, at Columbia University. Please see the course descriptions for instructions to register for the courses.The Future of Monetary Policy: Lessons from the New Millennium (INAFU6852_001)Innovations in the International Monetary System: Lessons from the Past (INAFU6854_001)

We are proud to announce that the Japanese government has honored Professor David E. Weinstein, the Carl S. Shoup Professor of the Japanese Economy at Columbia University and Director of the Center on Japanese Economy and Business at Columbia Business School, by awarding him The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. The Order of the Rising Sun, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji, was Japan’s first award. It is conferred on behalf of the Emperor of Japan as one of the highest honors bestowed by the Japanese government on people who have rendered distinguished service to Japan.   The conferral recognizes Professor Weinstein’s significant contributions to promoting academic exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. Professor Weinstein’s long-standing commitment to studying and understanding the Japanese economy and his dedication to research and cross-cultural exchange embody the spirit of this prestigious award. 

Professor Masazumi Wakatabe, CJEB Summer 2023 visiting scholar, former deputy governor of the Bank of Japan, and professor of economics at Waseda University, wrote the Financial Times article "Lessons for China from Japan’s lost decade" Professor Wakatabe states in the article, “China’s recent economic slowdown has elicited comparison with Japan in the 1990s and its subsequent long stagnation with deflation. But are there real parallels to be drawn between the two countries?”

Professor Takatoshi Ito, director of CJEB's Program on Public Pension and Sovereign Funds, and professor at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, wrote the Project Syndicate article "The Will, but Not the Way, to Increase Japan’s Defense Budget " Professor Ito states in the article, “Sensing that there are growing threats to Japan and its neighbors, the Japanese public recognizes the need to develop a greater capacity for deterrence. If the world really is entering a new era of hard power, Japan’s “peace constitution” and soft power may no longer be sufficient to ensure national security.”

Professor Takatoshi Ito, Director of CJEB’s Program on Public Pension and Sovereign Funds, appeared on Bloomberg and discussed his outlook for Bank of Japan policy ahead of the central bank's meeting.

Professor Takatoshi Ito, director of CJEB's Program on Public Pension and Sovereign Funds, professor at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, wrote the Project Syndicate article " What Did the Hiroshima G7 Summit Accomplish?" Professor Ito states in the article, “Three clear winners emerged from the Hiroshima G7 Summit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received a powerful demonstration of the continuing solidarity between the G7 and Ukraine; the G7's determination to punish Russia was reaffirmed; and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida strengthened his support among the Japanese public.

His most recent research, published in the prestigious Journal of Applied Psychology, reveals a Bamboo Ceiling in starting salaries, whereby ethnic East Asians tend to have lower starting salaries than others in the US partly because they are disinclined to negotiate due to higher relational concerns. This research challenges the “model minority” stereotype of Asians in the US.

Professor Takatoshi Ito, Director of CJEB’s Program on Public Pension and Sovereign Funds, appeared on Bloomberg and discussed his outlook for Bank of Japan's policy as the central bank concludes Governor Haruhiko Kuroda’s final meeting this week.

Professor Takatoshi Ito, director of CJEB's Program on Public Pension and Sovereign Funds, professor at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, wrote the Project Syndicate article "The UN Must Not Be Powerless." Professor Ito states in the article that, “The war in Ukraine has highlighted the shaky foundations of the international security order..."

The Speech Given by Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Masazumi Wakatabe at Cjeb’s Event Was Covered by Reuters, CNBC and Other Media Outlets. The speech given by Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Masazumi Wakatabe at CJEB’s event, "Seven Reflections on Japan's Economy, Monetary Policy, and the Bank of Japan," was covered by Reuters, CNBC and other media outlets. Some of their coverage can be found below. 

The speech given by Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Masazumi Wakatabe at CJEB’s event, "Seven Reflections on Japan's Economy, Monetary Policy, and the Bank of Japan," was covered by Reuters, CNBC and other media outlets. Some of their coverage can be found below.

Professor Takatoshi Ito, Director of CJEB’s Program on Public Pension and Sovereign Funds, was quoted in the Bloomberg Article “Kuroda Ally Ito Sees Chance of BOJ Starting Policy Normalization in 2023.” The article discusses how “The Bank of Japan may be able to step toward normalizing policy this year by achieving its sustainable inflation target, according to Takatoshi Ito.”

Professor Takatoshi Ito, director of CJEB's Program on Public Pension and Sovereign Funds, professor at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, wrote the Project Syndicate article "Japan’s Fiscal Dilemma." Professor Ito states in the article that, "Soon after announcing his intention to pay for the planned increase in Japan’s defense budget by raising taxes, fierce opposition, including from his own party, forced Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to backtrack. But, to protect future generations, Japan must maintain fiscal prudence rather than continue to amass debt."

Professor Takatoshi Ito, Director of CJEB’s Program on Public Pension and Sovereign Funds, was interviewed on Bloomberg about his views on the Bank of Japan’s policy adjustments.JAPAN CENTER NEWS | December 21, 2022BOJ Tweaks Could Be First Step Toward Exit, Takatoshi Ito Says (Bloomberg, 12/20/2022)日銀の政策修正、積極緩和脱却に向けた最初の一歩も－伊藤隆敏氏 (Bloomberg, 12/21/2022)