Takeo Harada to Speak at HPAIR 2025 Conference in Tokyo

Takeo Harada to Speak at HPAIR 2025 Conference

The Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) is set to return to Tokyo for the first time in 11 years, with renowned figures like Takeo Harada, the CEO of the Institute for International Strategy and Information Analysis (IISIA), slated to deliver an invited keynote address. This international conference will take place on August 21, 2025, at the University of Tokyo's Hongo campus, making it a notable event for future leaders from around the globe.

What is HPAIR?

HPAIR has been a pivotal intellectual platform since its inception in 1991, co-hosted annually by Harvard University and esteemed universities throughout Asia. It gathers about 400 students and young professionals from more than 70 countries, providing a forum for discussing pressing political, economic, and social issues faced in the Asia-Pacific region. Participants engage in intensive discussions, aiming to formulate innovative solutions for challenges that lack straightforward answers. The 2025 conference in Tokyo comes amidst heightened global interest, influenced by recent shifts in educational policy in the United States.

Harada's Lecture Topic

Takeo Harada is expected to delve into the theme of global leadership in his talk titled "What Is Global Leadership? Toward Solutions for the Global Agenda." Scheduled from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM JST, Harada's session will explore the qualities necessary for effective leadership in today's volatile world. His perspectives are particularly relevant at a time when nations are grappling with a myriad of challenges that have been exacerbated by recent crises.

Harada's Invitation

The reason for Harada's invitation stems from his extensive background as a former diplomat and established leader in the field of global strategy. After 12 years at Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he founded IISIA in 2007. Under Harada's leadership, the institute has become recognized for its efforts to provide global perspectives rooted in Japanese insights. His work has garnered international attention, notably being ranked 31st in the 2020 Global Go To Think Tank Index for notable think tanks.

Additionally, Harada's commitment to educating future leaders aligns with his participation in academia, where he teaches at prestigious institutions such as the University of Tokyo and Gakushuin Women's University.

Looking to the Future

In the context of the upcoming HPAIR event, Harada emphasizes the critical role Japan plays in the global landscape. At a pivotal moment when the world is facing unprecedented challenges, he believes Japan has the potential to provide groundbreaking solutions. During his speech, he aims to engage participants in dynamic discussions about the necessity of collaborative thinking on the future and how new forms of leadership can emerge from the current crises.

Closing Thoughts from Harada

Harada shared his excitement about the opportunity to connect with the next generation of leaders, stating, "I feel deeply honored to discuss the future with students who are poised to shape the global community in these challenging times. While Japan is currently seen as a key player in tourism and international interest, it is also vital that we acknowledge the potential for our nation to lead in addressing global dilemmas. I look forward to exploring these themes and more during my lecture and engaging in meaningful dialogue with the students."

About IISIA

The Institute for International Strategy and Information Analysis (IISIA), founded by Takeo Harada, establishes itself as an independent think tank focusing on both domestic and international analytics. The institute is dedicated to presenting future scenarios that align with its vision of achieving "Pax Japonica"—a concept that promotes Japan as a model for innovative problem-solving in global governance. To date, it has grown to encompass around 1,100 members and continues to provide insightful reports that inform stakeholders of emerging global trends and opportunities.

For those interested in learning more, further information can be accessed through IISIA’s official website, where resources pertaining to its educational initiatives and research analyses are also available.