The Centre sponsors papers aimed at providing decision-makers in India – from industry, academia, and policymakers – with valuable insights that could be directly applied to make informed decisions on critical areas of concern.
By inviting Professor Kazama to write this paper on trends in sustainable transportation, the Centre had sought to present the pros and cons of various global approaches to sustainable transportation. This had, in turn, helped Indian decision-makers make well-informed choices regarding India's own strategy in this important area.
Professor Nobutaka Kazama, Professor Emeritus at Meiji University, Tokyo, and a prominent expert in automotive industry research, had been collaborating with numerous Japanese universities, researchers, and experts. Professor Kazama is widely recognized for his influential papers comparing the approaches of Japan and Germany in the automotive industry, which had significantly contributed to a deeper understanding of global trends in the sector.
To ensure that Professor Kazama fully understood the dynamics of the Indian market, the Centre had arranged extensive industry interactions across various sectors, including software development, auto OEMs (both Indian and Japanese), and auto component manufacturers. These discussions had provided Professor Kazama with valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges present in the Indian market.
The Centre is confident that this paper would not only provide decision-makers with a deeper understanding of the Japanese and global approaches to sustainable transportation but would also serve as a valuable resource for students and researchers seeking to build a strong knowledge base in this rapidly evolving field. Ultimately, it was hoped that this work would inspire other researchers, academics, practitioners, and policymakers to drive a movement towards sustainable transportation in India.
Mr. Ichiro Hoshino’s book entitled "Discovery of Japan: Navigating the India-Japan Synergy, exploring smart life collaborations, and charting global peace and prosperity", commissioned by the Mizuho India Japan Study Center (MIJSC) at IIM Bangalore, explores the untapped opportunities and challenges in the relationship between India and Japan. While the two nations share deep cultural and spiritual connections, their economic and social exchanges have not reached their full potential. The book sheds light on how India and Japan have yet to fully capitalize on their historic bonds to drive industrial growth, develop urban infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for their citizens.
With his extensive international experience, Hoshino was well-placed to bridge the perspectives of both Japan and India. His insights, grounded in years of research, have resulted in this valuable reference book that serves as both a practical guide to Japan for the layperson and a comprehensive resource for policymakers. The book explores the synergies between India and Japan, highlighting opportunities for smart life collaborations and a shared path toward global peace and prosperity.
This work is not only an essential resource for students, offering them a deeper understanding of Japan, but also a valuable tool for researchers, academics, practitioners, and policymakers. It is expected to inspire stronger connections between the two nations, paving the way for mutual growth and long-lasting prosperity.
The book was officially launched at the IIM Bangalore auditorium on 23rd August 2023, marking a significant event followed by an engaging book discussion. The launch and discussion provided valuable insights into the synergies between India and Japan, as well as the potential for future collaboration in various sectors.
