On 4 October 2022, Vice Chancellor Brian Schmidt awarded Governor of the Bank of Japan Haruhiko Kuroda an honorary Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) for his contribution to Japan’s public service, international economic policy innovation, and his support of the Australian National University’s engagement in Asia.

The award was presented in Tokyo, with Professor Peter Drysdale, Dr Shiro Armstrong, Professor Ippei Fujiwara and the ANU alumni community in attendance.

In his welcome address at the event, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance that the Australian National University places on its relationships with Japan – it’s alumni, corporate and public citizens and the wider community. The event was also an opportunity to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the University and strengthen its ties with alumni and friends in Japan.

Mr Kuroda’s distinguished career spans Japan’s Ministry of Finance where he was Vice Minister, International, the Presidency of the Asian Development Bank, and, at the Bank of Japan. During his time at the Ministry of Finance, Mr Kuroda implemented a US$30 billion dollar assistance fund to support countries through the Asian Financial Crisis, chartered Japan’s international development assistance programs, and helped establish the Chiang Mai Initiative. As Governor of the Bank of Japan, Mr Kuroda has navigated a series of economic challenges both at home and internationally.

Professor Peter Drysdale said: ‘The public forum and the award of an honorary doctorate to Governor Kuroda, not only underlines the strength of ANU’s Japan ties, but the central role the Australia-Japan Research Centre continues to plays in Australian engagement with Japan and East Asia.’

Mr Kuroda’s relationship with the Australian National University extends back to the 1990s. He supported the establishment of the ANU’s East Asian Bureau of Economic Research with a research project that developed policy thinking beyond the ASEAN plus 3 process and other regional arrangements. Throughout his public service and academic career Mr Kuroda has been a frequent visitor to the University where he has taken part in conferences, presented major reports and worked closely with ANU researchers on regional issues.

Dr Shiro Armstrong, Director of the Australia-Japan Research Centre said: ‘It was a special event for ANU’s active alumni and friends network, recognising the special contribution Kuroda-san has made to Japanese and international economic policy, and his longstanding connection to the ANU.’

The event followed a public forum organised by the AJRC and RIETI on Australia, Japan, ASEAN and economic security in Asia.