As we begin our autumn series of webinars, we are delighted to welcome two economists, Noriko Hama in Japan and Gerard Lyons in the UK, to join Japan Society Chairman, Bill Emmott, to take stock of the economic positions of our two countries, and consider the future.

The UK’s lockdown has looked very different to that of Japan, but the cost of fiscal stimulus packages in response to COVID-19 has been huge for both countries, with an accompanying decline in many business sectors. As restrictions are eased, what type of recovery seems likely, and what will be the main factors affecting the economic course over the coming years?

Noriko Hama is a specialist in international economics and the Japanese economy and professor at Doshisha Business School. From 1990 -1996, she served in London as the first resident economist and chief representative of the Mitsubishi Research Institute, following which she became the research director and general manager of the Economic Research Department in MRI in Tokyo. She has become widely known as a commentator on the economic environment in both Japanese and international media. Her many books on the Japanese and global economy include most recently ‘Freedom from the rapacious ‘slave nation’: were Marx to analyse the age of non-regular labour’ (強欲「奴隷国家」からの脱却 非正規労働時代をマルクスが読み解いたら) (Kodansha, March 2020).

Dr Gerard Lyons is one of the UK’s leading economists and an expert on the global economy, financial markets and monetary policy, with a deep knowledge of the latest political as well as financial and global trends. Currently Gerard Lyons holds a portfolio of roles, including Board member of the Bank of China (UK) and as chief economic strategist with the challenger wealth manager, Netwealth. He is on the advisory board of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the LSE and Imperial College and is a member of the advisory board of Warwick Business School and OMFIF. Prior to this, he held a non-political role as chief economic advisor to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson from 2013-16, following some three decades with in senior roles with leading international banks Chase Manhattan, Swiss Bank, DKB International and Standard Chartered Bank, where he was Head of Global Research and Chief Economist.

Explore our series of webinars with leading experts in politics, economy and media. More details on upcoming events and past webinar videos HERE.

Booking Info

Free – Donations Welcome
Registration essential
Book online here

The activities of the Japan Society are made possible thanks to the support of its members. This event is free of charge and open to all. We realise that this is a difficult time for many people. However, if you are planning to attend and do not have a membership subscription as an individual or through your employer, please consider making a donation. You can find details of membership and how to join the Japan Society community here.