Overview of the Institute

The 21st Century Public Policy Institute is a free and open public policy think-tank that is integrating the wisdom of the business community and academia on important economic and social issues in Japan and, abroad, transcending existing frameworks to conduct research and analysis from a unique perspective based on a medium-to long-term outlook, while continuing to take on the challenge of creating a desirable future.

Research of the 21st Century Public Policy Institute

Economy, Public Finance, and Monetary Affairs

This project studies further the economic, fiscal and monetary policies that Japan must undertake in order to continue to relish prosperity in a certain status in the world, as Japan faces the realities of falling birthrates, an aging and declining population, impasse in medical service, welfare and pension systems, and widening inequality.

Industry and Technology

This project examines the desirable situation of Japanese industries in the future from a broad and multifaceted perspective, with an awareness of new trends. It also proposes the policies and reforms required of industry, academia and government in order to create the innovations to achieve new growth. In doing so, the project takes into account the economic and social challenges posed by the rapid development of technology, and deepens discussions on measures that should be taken to make positive use of the technological achievement.

Environment and Natural Resources

This project focuses on analyzing trends and situations of global environmental, resource and energy policies, with a view to presenting the optimal solution for Japan's industrial policy. Solutions are required to balance the perspective of the global environment between the sustainability of society and the maintenance and enhancement of industrial competitiveness, as well as resource and energy security. The project seeks solutions through analysis of trends in civil society's interest in environmental issues, the current and main issues in discussions at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP), etc., as well as technological trends.

International Affairs and Trade

This project conducts in-depth analysis of international affairs where it is difficult to envision the future, with a vertical and horizontal matrix of countries, regions, sectors and issues in mind. In particular, for trade issues, which are important for economic activities, this project examines the specific direction our country should take in the future with an awareness of geopolitics and historical background as well as economic rationale.

Philosophy and Liberal Arts

As the breakdown of capitalism and democracy has been pointed out and debates on the revision of these systems are increasing, this project deepens our multifaceted examination of the future direction of the economy, society, and humanity itself, while utilizing the accumulated wisdom of the liberal arts, including philosophy. Furthermore, the project explores the possibility of linkage with the potential of culture and arts in the creation of innovative and attractive products, services, and business models.