JETRO Topics
Interview with Chairman Ishiguro on Gakusei Shinbun
November 2024
On November 22, Chairman Ishiguro was interviewed by six university student reporters from the Gakusei Shinbun, or “Student Newspaper.” This publication aims to be “a newspaper of students, by students, and for students.” With a circulation of 100,000 copies, the newspaper is distributed free of charge to approximately 850 universities, junior colleges, and vocational schools nationwide.
The interview began with Chairman Ishiguro recounting episodes of his student days. He then talked about his career at the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), JETRO New York, and his current position as JETRO Chairman. Drawing on his experience, he spoke about the attractiveness of METI, which engages in policymaking, and JETRO, which implements projects in the field.
Through its global network of 76 overseas offices and offices in all Japanese prefectures, JETRO has been able to build on the trust established since the 1950s to provide a wide range of services in line with the times, which he said was another appeal of the organization.
Student reporters from ICU, Toyo University, Musashino University, and Saint Paul's University interviewed Chairman Ishiguro.
In response to questions from the student reporters, Chairman Ishiguro said that while in various positions in the government, a government agency, and a private company, he had consistently focused on “working for the growth and prosperity of Japan for the next generation.” “I would like for you, starting while young, to look at the remarkable development of emerging countries. I would like you to think about how to incorporate such dynamism into Japan and how to make use of such energy.”
JETRO intends to keep up its efforts to promote the further development of international business. To this end, JETRO will work to get students throughout Japan interested in international business and recognize its importance, and will encourage students to develop global perspectives.
Chairman Ishiguro responded to a wide range of questions, including about JETRO activities and his career.
