Akinobu (Aki) Toyoda

Fields of study

• International Development and Environmental Policy
• International Business

Country

Japan

On interdisciplinary learning

I'm curious about interdisciplinary fields. When something occurs in society, we need to think about fields like economics, law, and politics at the same time. Specialists can make use of their expertise when people who understand several fields communicate with them. Fletcher cares about these interdisciplinary fields.

On diversity in the Fletcher community

Before I started studying at Fletcher, I understood things only from a Japanese perspective. However, in classes at Fletcher, I understand American perspectives that are totally different. Also, students from various countries have their own opinions, which I hadn't thought of before. On weekdays, I can concentrate on my studies; on weekends, I often enjoy the Boston area. 

My dream job

When I worked on a team that aimed to revitalize areas in Fukushima after the nuclear disaster in 2011, I encountered some difficulty in revitalizing the community though infrastructure; young people tend not to return to their hometowns. However, in the future, most countries will face the problems of population decline. Therefore, I want to focus on developing communities where people feel happy to seek their own purpose, even in aging societies.

Activities at Fletcher

• Institute for Business in the Global Context
• Center for International Environment and Resource Policy

Education before Fletcher

• Bachelor of Law, Political Science and Law, Chuo University

Experience before Fletcher

• Assistant Director, Economic Partnership Division, Trade Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Tokyo, Japan
• Deputy Director, Support Team for Residents Affected by Nuclear Incidents, Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan
• Officer, Budget and Accounts Division, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Tokyo, Japan