Meet Our Esteemed Board of Advisors Shaping the Future

We are delighted to welcome the legendary Ernie Higa to our Board of Advisors. Ernie is one of the most successful American entrepreneurs in Japan, having started by importing lumber and medical devices before achieving striking success with the Domino’s Pizza franchise in Japan. He now leads Wendy’s re-entry into the Japanese market. Ernie is a Columbia University graduate and a member of Keizai Doyukai, bringing a wealth of knowledge and connections that greatly benefit our members.

Thierry Porte has been at the forefront of Japan’s international and financial business scene for decades. He gained prominence as President of Shinsei Bank following a pivotal investment by JC Flowers, an event closely chronicled in the book “Saving The Sun” by FT journalist Gillian Tett. Before this, Thierry had a successful career at Morgan Stanley and holds an MBA from Harvard.

We are thrilled to have Matt Ketchum on our Board of Advisors. A visionary in IT, non-standard real estate, and cultural initiatives, Matt’s diverse expertise reflects his inventive approach to problem-solving. From creating tech solutions for rural revitalization to spearheading cultural projects in Japan, Matt’s insights and creative thinking bring immense value to our members navigating complex business landscapes.

We are honored to have Michael Woodford join our Board of Advisors. Known for his integrity and courage as the whistle-blowing CEO of Olympus, Michael embodies the qualities we value at The Delphi Network. His experience navigating between Japanese and Western corporate cultures provides invaluable insights to our members.

Taggart Murphy is a renowned author and scholar, known for works such as “Japan and the Shackles of the Past” and “Japan’s Policy Trap.” A retired Professor of International Political Economy at the University of Tsukuba, Taggart brings deep analytical skills and historical perspective to our board, enriching our understanding of Japan’s economic landscape.

Robert Whiting is a world-renowned authority on Japanese baseball and organized crime. His books, including “You Gotta Have Wa” and “Tokyo Underworld,” offer deep insights into Japanese culture. Robert is currently writing a book on the history of post-war Tokyo, with a focus on the 1964 Olympics.

Roger Pulvers is an acclaimed author, playwright, theatre director, translator, and journalist, with over forty published works in Japanese and English. He has worked extensively in film and television and has received numerous prestigious awards. Roger divides his time between Sydney and Japan, contributing a wealth of cultural expertise to our board.Description goes here

As the Director of the Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies at Temple University in Tokyo, Robert Dujarric is an expert on military, historical, and political economic matters in Japan. His extensive network and expertise make him a valuable asset to our board, especially in organizing the legendary public lecture program at Temple University.

Glen Fukushima, a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, has an impressive career spanning business and government. He led several multinational corporations in Tokyo and served as President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. Bilingual and bicultural, Glen’s experience and insights are invaluable to The Delphi Network.

Mike Alfant, emeritus president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, is one of Tokyo’s most successful entrepreneurs. Known for his curiosity and strategic acumen, Mike has provided invaluable advice to DN members even before taking on this role. He brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience to our board.

Professor Yoshi Fujikawa, a faculty member at Hitotsubashi ICS, is an expert in the interaction between Asian and global business, especially in marketing. A charismatic lecturer with an MBA from Harvard and a PhD from Pennsylvania State University, Yoshi enhances our board with his deep academic and practical knowledge.

Alberto Moel, VP of Strategy and Partnerships at Veo Robotics, is a global authority on industrial robotics. With a PhD from MIT and decades of experience at the cutting edge of this field, Alberto provides strategic insights into the future of robotics and automation.

Robert A. Madsen is a Senior Fellow at the Center for International Studies at MIT. His expertise in international relations and economic policy enriches our understanding of global trends affecting Japan.

Graham Davis has lived in Japan for over 20 years, heading The Economist’s Tokyo office in both editorial and commercial capacities. His experience in investment banking and thought leadership adds significant value to our board. Graham splits his time between Tokyo and Yakushima, where his wife runs a guesthouse.

Tom Miller is a senior analyst at Gavekal Research and managing editor of China Economic Quarterly. An Oxford and SOAS-educated former journalist, Tom brings deep insights into China’s economic landscape. His books, including “China’s Asian Dream” and “China’s Urban Billion,” offer critical perspectives on Asia’s economic transformations.

Paul J. Scalise is an expert on energy issues in Japan and Asia. Known for his intellectual integrity, Paul focuses on scientific evidence rather than ideology. His frequent commentary on energy issues post-3/11 disaster provides crucial insights into Japan’s energy policies.

Dr. Albert Kirchmann, former CEO and Chairman of Daimler Trucks Asia and Mitsubishi FUSO, brings rich executive experience to our board. Based in Germany, Albert is an expert on the future of transportation and the impact of new technology on the industry.

Mitch Murata, Managing Partner at Black Pearl Partners, is one of Tokyo’s most brilliant and networked individuals. A Georgetown University graduate with an MBA, Mitch provides unique and authentic insights to senior government officials and business leaders, enhancing our board with his extensive network and strategic thinking.