Researchers
By inviting leading experts in the field of economic security from within and outside dentsu and designing a system that allows for the dissemination of high-level information, DCER will support the business growth of Japanese companies from multiple perspectives.
LEADERSHIP
Shigeru Kitamura
Executive Director
Former Secretary General of the National Security Secretariat- Born in Tokyo. Graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tokyo and joined the National Police Agency in 1980. Has held various positions, including Executive Secretary to the Prime Minister, Director of Cabinet Intelligence and Secretary General of National Security Secretariat/National Security Advisor to the Cabinet. He established the Economic Section within the secretariat and promoted economic security policies. In December 2020, Kitamura was awarded the Defense Department Distinguished Service Medal by the US government. After retiring from governmental duties in July 2021, he became a member of the expert committee on economic security legislation in November of the same year. Kitamura is also the President & CEO of Kitamura Economic Security Inc.
Takashi Ito
Deputy Exective Director
Former Corporate Executive Senior General Manager, Corporate Economic Security Division,
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC Corporation- Joined Mitsubishi Electric in 1986. For 20 years, engaged in planning, operations, M&A, and industry restructuring in the semiconductor business. Also led the resolution of international disputes including trade friction, international cartel lawsuits, and intellectual property litigation.
Following a secondment to the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), shifted focus to corporate management roles. At the President’s Office, was involved in implementing structural reforms and supported policy-related activities, including assisting Keidanren Vice Chairs in policy matters.
In 2020, became the head of the first economic security department established by a private company (appointed as Executive Officer in 2023).
Retired from Mitsubishi Electric upon the expiration of his term as an executive in 2025. Concurrently appointed as Deputy Director of this center. In addition, serves as an advisor to multiple private companies and law firms, and also acts as an advisor to the Japanese government.
Arata Kuno
Chief Research Fellow- Completed the doctoral program at the Graduate School of Economics, Keio University. Doctor of Economics.
After working as an Associate Senior Researcher at Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting Co., Ltd. and being seconded to the Trade Policy Bureau of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, currently holds the present position.
Research areas include trade policy and economic security (in particular, domestic policies and international cooperation for strengthening supply chains, economic sanctions, and economic coercion).
Jun Osawa
Chief Research Fellow
Senior Fellow at the Nakasone Peace Institute- Graduated from the Faculty of Law, Keio University in 1994 and completed the master’s program at the same university. After serving as Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Peace and Policy Studies, Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution (U.S.), Assistant Counsellor at the National Security Secretariat of the Cabinet Secretariat, and Senior Fellow at the same Secretariat, he assumed his current position.
He also concurrently serves as Director at the Kajima Peace Institute, Director of the Analysis Department at the Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA), and Senior Fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.
His areas of expertise are international politics (strategic assessment and cybersecurity).
OUR EXPERTS
Naoaki Hidani
Senior Fellow
Senior Researcher of Keio Research Institute at SFC
Kenji Tadano
Senior Fellow
