Research Interest

Economic History of Modern Japan and Developmental History of Industrial Districts: I major in economic history with a strong interest in economic development. Currently, my research and education aim to bridge between economic history and development economics. I have conducted research on the history of the formation and development of industrial districts by focusing especially on the textile/weaving industry in modern Japan. My research questions are: Why agglomeration took place, what kind of advantages were generated by agglomeration, and how the mechanism of agglomeration contributes to production and industrial growth. Kiryu, Fukui, and Nishijin are my study sites, and based on a comparison of their historical development, I attempt to build a “comparative history of the development of traditional industries”. In particular, I would like to explore how modern western technologies were introduced to Japan, digested and assimilated, and grafted to traditional technologies. At present I am working on a paper entitled “From Lyon to Kyoto”, to analyze the transfer of the most advanced silk weaving technology in the world to the most advanced silk weaving district in Japan. 

Education and Positions

Degree

Ph.D. in economics, Hitotsubashi University (2002)
See my CV for the details of my academic career.

Job

Research Associate, Faculty of Economics, Tokyo Metropolitan University (1998-2000)
Lecturer, Faculty of Economics, Komazawa University (2000-2004)
Associate Professor, Graduate School of Economics, Kobe University (2004-2013)
Professor, Graduate School of Economics, Kobe University (2013 to present)

Visiting Positions

University of New South Wales (2007)
George Washington University (2011-12)
LSE (2011)
Stanford University (2016-17)
University of Cape Town (2019)
AGI (2019 to present)
Université de Lyon 2 (2020)

Lectures and Seminars

Teaching Experience

Seminar for 1st-year students (required subject, undergraduate): First of all, we discuss what we should study in university. Then, we attempt to acquire some important academic skills such as reading, writing, listening, and talking in an academic manner, which are needed for studying at college. Teamwork is also important to acquire these skills. Economic History for 1st-year students (required subject): Introducing new research in the field of global economic history, students can cultivate a perspective of comparative history. In addition, I aim to change students’ prejudice that economic history is just a ‘memorized subject’. It is the subject to think about historical events by utilizing knowledge of economics. Economic History of Modern Japan (specialized subject): This lecture serves how the Japanese economy in 19-20C developed. To further understand how so-called capitalism was developed, I often show movies as historical materials. Important topics are selected and delivered in this class. Comparative Economic History or Economic History of Modern Japan (in English): In this class, as an introduction, quantitative data are used to capture the characteristics of the economic development of modern Japan. Especially, critical factors for economic development such as legacy from Edo Period, human capital, and industrial districts are focused and discussed.

Seminars (Undergraduate)

The major priority of my seminar is to facilitate the completion of excellent theses. In the first year, junior students learn how to write, listen, and discuss academically. In addition, students are expected to acquire the skills of literature survey, collecting data/sources, and field surveys for preparation of writing theses. In the second year, students make presentations about each chapter and receive useful comments from members of the seminar for making the theses better. Sometimes we read articles and discussion about them. As other activities of the seminar, we invite graduates and business persons to learn about their careers and also visit factories, firms, and museums for further understanding of economic history and the real world.

Seminars (Graduate/Postgraduate)

The biggest goal of this seminar is to complete MA Thesis and Dissertation with a quality high enough to be publishable in international academic journals.

Message

I aim to make my classes and seminars mutually interactive regardless number of students.

Main Publications

Please visit my CV.

Contact

E-mail

hashino(at)econ.kobe-u.ac.jp

Office hours

By appointment