Regions: Oil / Gas / Electricity / Renewable Energy
Researcher Profile
Over more than 25 years at an oil company, I gained experience in a wide range of overseas-related roles, centred on business development in China and crude oil and petroleum product trading. During this time, through opportunities for Chinese language training in Shanghai, a posting in Beijing, and a posting in Houston, USA, I was able to broaden my perspective by deepening my understanding of the situations in these two countries, which exert a major influence on global energy conditions. Houston in particular is the centre of the American oil industry, and being involved in oil trading there was an invaluable experience.
Regarding the Middle East, some years ago I had the experience of working at the Middle East and Africa Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The knowledge and experience of the Gulf Arab countries that I gained at that time continue to serve me well in my current work. At that time, I was responsible for Qatar, a country that had already begun to emerge as a significant gas producer — it has since grown into a major presence on the world stage, and its development has been nothing short of remarkable.
Having introduced a portion of my past experience, I intend to draw on this background to deliver clear and informative commentary and analysis, centred particularly on the energy strategies of Gulf oil-producing countries and international oil market trends, including movements within OPEC.
Career
- 2022 — Research Director, JIME Center (current)
- 2018–2022 Based in Houston, USA (crude oil procurement, business development)
- 2013–2018 Supply Division (petroleum product trading)
- 2009–2013 Based in Beijing, China (business development, management of China operations)
- 2008–2009 Chinese language training, East China Normal University (Shanghai)
- 2001–2003 Seconded to the Middle East and Africa Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- 1995 Joined Mitsubishi Oil Co., Ltd. (now ENEOS)
- 1991–1995 Faculty of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University
Selected Works
- ArticleArticle: "Energy Trends and Strategies of Gulf Oil-Producing Countries in the Energy Transition Era" (Middle East Trends Analysis, 2025)
- ArticleArticle: "The Shift in OPEC+ Production Policy Led by Saudi Arabia: Cooperation with Russia and Approaching the Trump Administration" (Middle East Trends Analysis, 2025)
- ArticleArticle: "Japan-Middle East Energy and Economic Relations: Comparison and Analysis with China" (Middle East Trends Analysis, 2023)
- ContributionContribution: "How a Strait of Hormuz Closure Would Change Energy Security" (Kyodo Weekly, 2026)
- ContributionContribution: "Latest Energy Developments in Oman: Green Hydrogen Development Trends" (JCCME News, 2024)