WATANABE, Hiroaki Richard

Programs and Languages

  • japanese|english|
  • japanese|english|

Specialization/Discipline

International Relations, Comparative Political Economy (East Asia/Asia-Pacific, Europe, USA)

Research Topic

I conduct research on the politics of labor market reform and precarious work in Japan from a comparative perspective. I particularly analyze how and why the governments have implemented labor market reforms and what socio-economic impacts they have had. I also conduct research on the politics of regional economic integration in the Asia Pacific, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). I examine not only economic but also political incentives for the governments to pursue free trade agreements.

Message for Applicants

I welcome graduate students who are interested in comparative political economy, with focus on Japanese politics and economy, and Japan’s international relations in East Asia and the Asia Pacific. I would like to emphasize the importance of “theory” and its application to practice and critical thinking aimed at adding a new theoretical and empirical perspective when you conduct research.

Advised Master’s Thesis (Last 5 years)

  • Observing Weak Political Activism in Japan Using a Psychological Analysis Framework
  • How Has Vietnam’s Public Diplomacy Affected the Willingness of Overseas Vietnamese to Engage in Vietnam’s Economic Development?


  • Lecture
    渡辺宏⑧
     
    Publication
    (2020) The Japanese Economy, Newcastle: Agenda Publishing, New York: Columbia University Press.
    渡辺宏②
     
    (2014) Labour Market Deregulation in Japan and Italy: Worker Protection under Neoliberal Globalisation, London: Routledge.
    渡辺宏③