Konomi Saito

Please introduce yourself.

I'm from Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture. I spent my time here running around the fields and mountains every day until I was in the second year of junior high school. I'm still drawn to nature and I like to move my body.

Please tell us about your research.

I am conducting theoretical and empirical analysis of regional economic integration, focusing on Japan, but also on the impact on developing countries in Asia.

What kind of contributions to society do you expect as your research progresses?

Regional economic integration is indeed progressing, as can be seen from the lively discussion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). However, its economic impacts are two-sided. It is possible to theoretically show what economic integration should be like to minimize the negative effects. It is also possible to use actual data to numerically predict the impact of economic integration.

What can you learn in the seminar?

The content will vary from year to year, but we hope to stimulate your interest and provide an opportunity for active learning.

Please say a few words to all the students.

You may be feeling unsure about your university life and feeling anxious about various things, such as "I haven't studied very hard up until now" or "I wonder what university is like." I hope that you will find something you can work hard at during these four years at university and get the experience of working hard at it. I sincerely hope that these four years will be a stepping stone for you to make a big leap forward.