Researchers

Board Member, Director for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Unit
The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan or IEEJ
Mr. Sakamoto worked for policy planning and implementation on energy, climate change and industry competitiveness for 30 years at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry or METI, the Japanese Government. After leaving the METI, he engaged in renewable and hydrogen energy businesses at two private companies, and thereafter was appointed to the current position in June 2020.
< Academic Background >
April 2023 | Visiting Professor, The National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) |
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1993 | Master of Business Administration, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, US |
April 1980 - |
The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan |
< Professional Career>
June 2020 | Board Member, Director, the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan or IEEJ |
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May 2018 | Government Relations Manager, AIR LIQUIDE Japan Ltd. |
October 2016 | Executive Advisor, Maeda Corporation |
June 2016 | Retired from Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry or METI |
June 2013: Deputy Director-General for Trade Policy | |
July 2010: Director, Division for Paper Industry and Recreational Goods Industry | |
July 2008: Director, Energy Efficiency Division | |
August 2006: Senior Strategic Advisor, DTI (Dept. of Trade and Industry), the UK Government | |
May 2003: Director, Global Environmental Affairs Office | |
April 1986 | Joined Ministry of International Trade and Industry or MITI |
Activities in abroad
- 2020 and thereafter: Vice Chair, Committee on Energy Research and Technology or CERT, IEA
- 2013 to 2016: RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) Chief Negotiator
- 2013 to 2016: SEOM (Senior Economic Official Meeting of ASEAN) Leader representing Japan
- 2013 to 2016: APEC Senior Official representing Japan
- 2006 to 2008: Senior Strategic Advisor, Department of Trade and Industry or DTI, the UK Government
- 2005 to 2006: Co-Chair, UNFCCC Mitigation Contact Group
- 2004 to 2006: Chair, Climate Technology Initiative or CTI, IEA’s Implementing Agreement