Koichi Hamada

Tuntex Professor of Economics

Koichi Hamada, LLB and M.A, University of Tokyo, M.A, and Ph.D. Yale University, faculty member at Yale since 1986: You are an expert on international economics in general and on the Japanese economy, in particular, and you have been engaged in teaching and research on these subjects since coming to Yale from Tokyo University in 1986.

Given your two intertwined interests you have truly been a master of multi-tasking. In international economics, you were one of the first scholars to apply game theory to international policy coordination issues. Among your many publications in this arena is the seminal volume Political Economy of International Monetary Independence.

But it is in work specific to the Japanese economy that you have achieved most renown here. Students from your earlier days in Tokyo hold many high positions in both Japanese academia and government, and your advice in economic matters continues to be sought by high government officials. While on leave from Yale in 2001-2002 you were appointed President of the Economic and Social Research Institute of Japan’s Cabinet Office. Because of your expertise influence, and distinction, Japanese students at Yale flock to you for your critical appraisal and comments on the current Japanese monetary policy. You see Japan’s main contemporary economic challenge to be the transition from imitation-based to innovation-based technology. As you continue to bring your wide knowledge of worldwide economic matters and of two cultures back and forth between the United States and Japan, and Japan and the United States, your colleagues wish you well with a warm “Sayonara.”

Tribute Editor: Penelope Laurans