Japan’s Economic Future: Aging, AI, and Automation (Prof. Akihiko Kaneko)

How will automation, AI, and demographic change shape long-term economic growth? Host and Waseda student Kanon Kurabayashi explores this question with Professor Akihiko Kaneko of the Faculty of Political Science and Economics (FPSE). They discuss how technological advances interact with intergenerational transfers such as inheritance, and why the motives behind bequests can have significant implications for economic growth. Focusing on Japan’s aging population and shrinking workforce, Professor Kaneko considers how automation can support productivity while highlighting the importance of education and targeted retraining to address inequalities between workers. He also introduces English-based degree programs at Waseda, where students can explore global economic issues in a diverse, multilingual academic environment and build connections with peers from around the world.

About the Guest:
Professor Akihiko Kaneko's research focuses on economic growth and policy, with particular interests in demographic change, population decline, fertility, international aid, and the relationship between political systems and economic development. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Osaka University.