Masaki Higurashi

Director Aerospace and Defense Industry Division, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

Mr. Masaki Higurashi is Director, Aerospace and Defense Industry Division, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).  He develops and implements Japan’s industrial policies to promote commercial aviation industry and strengthen Japan’s defense industrial base. 

Before his current position, he was Director, Global Industrial Policy Office, Minister’s Secretariat of METI.  In this role he facilitated a comprehensive, unified industrial strategy for national security, economic competitiveness, and advanced technology. 

In METI, he also worked on industrial policies in the automotive and energy industries.  In particular, he worked on research and development projects on autonomous driving and electric vehicles as well as reviewed guidelines for improving subcontracting transactions to increase mutual prosperity among OEMs and suppliers in the automotive industry.  He holds a PhD in economics from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Tokyo.

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