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Iwao Nakatani

なかたに いわお

Nakatani Iwao

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1942-01-22 （Osaka Prefecture, Japan）
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese
Residence History
Osaka Prefecture, Japan → Tokyo, Japan (work and teaching) → Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Career

Occupations
Economist, University Professor, Economic Commentator, Outside Director, Think Tank Chairman
Active Years
1965-
Affiliations
Osaka University (Faculty of Economics), Hitotsubashi University (Faculty of Commerce; Emeritus), Harvard University (Lecturer / Assistant), Tama University (Professor, President, Honorary President), Mitsubishi UFJ Research & Consulting (Chairman), Sony Corporation (Director), WDI (Outside Director)
Influenced By
Kenneth Arrow, Karl Polanyi

Education

Hitotsubashi University
Faculty of Economics / Department of Economics
Degree: 学士
Period: 1961-1965
Year of Graduation: 1965
Country: Japan
Harvard University
Graduate School (Economics) / Economics
Degree: Ph.D.
Period: 1969-1973
Year of Graduation: 1973
Country: United States
Doctoral advisor: Kenneth Arrow

Awards

Ishibashi Tanzan Prize
1988
Work: The Responsible State: Choices for Japan
Organization: Ishibashi Tanzan Prize Committee
Result: 受賞
Honorary Doctor of Laws
2004
Organization: Australian National University
Result: 授与

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Introductory Macroeconomics

1981 Textbook (Macroeconomics)

A widely used introductory university textbook on macroeconomics, covering core theory and policy.

macroeconomic policyeconomic growthbusiness cycles

Why Capitalism Collapsed: Proposals for Japan's Revival

2008 Economic Commentary

A critique of neoliberalism and market fundamentalism, proposing institutional reforms for economy and society in Japan, including discussion of basic income.

critique of neoliberalismmarket regulationsocial security reform

Economics with Thrill: Global Standards

1999 Popular Economics / Commentary

An accessible introduction and commentary on economic issues for the general reader.

globalizationmarkets and governance

Bibliography

  • Introductory Macroeconomics (1981)
  • Japanese Companies in Transition (1987)
  • Why Capitalism Collapsed: Proposals for Japan's Revival (2008)
  • Economics with Thrill: Global Standards (1999)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
clear, pragmatic expositionessayistic tone emphasizing policy proposals
Recurring Motifs
the role of markets and regulationthe pros and cons of globalizationinstitutional design and public interest

Health

  • Tuberculosis
    高校時代
    Hospitalized in final year of high school; affected studies and progression to university entrance.
  • Appendicitis
    大学4年時
    Hospitalized during fourth year of university; prevented job-hunting and influenced early career decisions.

Legacy

Known as a university scholar, textbook author and policy advisor. In later years he became a prominent critic of neoliberalism and contributed institutional proposals that influenced public policy debates.

Academic Societies

  • Japan Economic Association

In Popular Culture

  • Long-time commentator on the TV program 'World Business Satellite', providing public visibility

Quotes

  • The formation of free-trade markets under neoliberalism hastens the destruction of humanity.
    Source: Why Capitalism Collapsed: Proposals for Japan's Revival (preface, 2008) (2008)

Trivia

  • Doctoral advisor was Kenneth Arrow, a Nobel laureate in economics.
  • Served as professor at Hitotsubashi, Tama and Osaka universities; known for the textbook 'Introductory Macroeconomics'.
  • Held corporate positions such as director at Sony and chairman of Mitsubishi UFJ Research & Consulting.