From Kitakyushu to the world: AGI, a research institute that studies Asia's economy and society
Research Division
RESEARCH GROUP Ⅰ
Contemporary Issues on Asia－Japan Economic Relations
This group focuses on Japan’s ties with Asia and policy issues accompanying changes in the economic environment such as globalization. The group conducts academic research on the mechanisms and economic impacts of these changes, while also collaborating with domestic and international researchers to conduct policy research that contributes to the mutual development of Asia. The main research topics of this group include: the international flow of people （immigration, international labor migration, tourism, etc.）, international trade and FDI between Asia and Japan, and their relations of interdependence.
| Group Leader | HONMA Masayoshi |
|---|---|
| Member | KO Yi-Chun |
| NGUYEN Phung Thu Hang |
Research Projects for FY2026
A study on public awareness of food security and effectiveness of actual agricultural policies in Japan.
Staff:HONMA Masayoshi
Distinguished Professor
This study aims to clarify how differences in individuals’ exposure to information influence general perceptions of food security and understanding of related policy frameworks. Specifically, first, it examines urban residents’ general perceptions regarding the stability of food supply and concerns about future food insecurity, using survey questions identical to those employed in existing government surveys. Second, based on these general perceptions, it identifies the extent and nature of understanding and misunderstanding concerning the content of the Act on Measures for Situations of Difficulty in Food Supply. Third, it empirically investigates how differences in such institutional understanding are associated with variations in information exposure, including the use of social networking services, news media, and patterns of video consumption. Based on these findings, the study identifies key issues in the implementation of agricultural policies related to food security.
The Co-benefits of Renewable Energy Deployment in Japan: An Empirical Analysis of Air Pollution Reduction and Health Improvements from Solar Photovoltaic Power
Staff:KO Yi-Chun
Assistant Professor
Renewable energy deployment generates not only mitigation benefits through CO₂ reduction, but also adaptation-related co-benefits by improving air quality and public health. This study examines how the expansion of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation in Japan affects local air pollutants (SO₂, SPM, PM2.5) and respiratory mortality and medical expenditures.
Using region-level panel data, the research quantifies the health benefits of renewable energy and evaluates whether these effects differ across regions and income groups.
By assessing both mitigation and health co-benefits, this study contributes to the design of sustainable and equitable climate policies.
The impact of information access on mental health for older adults in Vietnam
Staff:NGUYEN Phung Thu Hang
Assistant Professor
This research project investigates the relationship between information access and mental health among older adults in Vietnam using nationally representative survey data. Mental health is examined through multiple indicators, including life satisfaction, happiness, depressive feelings, loneliness, sleep difficulties, and appetite-related problems. Information access is broadly defined to capture both digital technologies and traditional media channels commonly used by older populations in developing countries. The analysis controls for a comprehensive set of individual, household, and regional characteristics. To address concerns about potential selection bias, the study applies the coefficient stability approach proposed by Oster (2019). By focusing on information access as a non-medical determinant of mental health, this project aims to contribute to the literature on aging and well-being and to provide policy-relevant insights for inclusive information and digital strategies in rapidly aging societies.