My special name in Kazuhiko Hayakawa. I specialize in econometrics which can be thought of as quantitate economics – I use data to analyze economic activity.

There are two branches to the field – one is theoretical econometrics, and the other is applied econometrics. In the theoretical branch, we develop statistical methods for analyzing data using mathematical statistics. The applied branch involves researchers using these statistical methods to analyze real world data.

Together they can provide precise and useful economic data for governments, and companies etcetera. It is often used to develop informed policy. The theoretical side is aimed at providing statistical methods for carrying out research – applied econometrics uses these methods to analyze data.

I was born in Hiroshima but entered Keio University in Tokyo when I was 18, and spent four years there as an undergraduate student. After that, I worked in industry for two years, at a computer company. I went back to study – to graduate school at Hitotsubashi University, also in Tokyo, where I got my PhD. I spent one year there as a post doc and came to Hiroshima University in 2008.

What I like most is developing new methods, and considering new approaches, it's interesting. When carrying out research I often use simulations to check the performance numerically. If the simulation results are good, it's exciting – and if the result at the end of the study is good also, it's very satisfying.

When I was a graduate student I had a Eureka moment while attending a seminar with my adviser – I resolved a particular problem in my head. The research that stemmed from that appeared in a good journal, and for it I was awarded a prize at an International conference in New Zealand.

It was about panel data.Panel data has two dimensions – a cross-section and a time series; previously researchers used one or the other.Nowadays panel data is the default type – and it's becoming more important.My research involved the statistical analysis of this panel data, including its dynamics – I developed several statistical methods to analyze this.

I presented the paper at a conference and the committee felt that it was important. As it was an international conference so I felt very proud. That was in 2008 – just before I came here.

Well actually, recently I have been getting a little tired of it to be honest. I am considering ways to widen my scope. Recently I have been studying the literature of psychometrics – the statistical approach of psychology.

The statistical methods used in econometrics and psychometrics are very similar so I am looking for some ideas – approaches used in psychometrics that are not used in econometrics. I'm writing a paper on psychometrics right now – on the statistics for quantitative psychology. don't know too much about psychology but from a mathematical point of view, the methods used are identical to econometrics.

I am from Hiroshima so I am familiar with this area. Also, I have no problems here – this environment satisfies me. As part of the Department of Economics I am free to do any research I like – there is a lot of independence.

In economics the salary gap between foreign affiliate and Japanese ones is very large – this is why many of the best Japanese researchers leave to join foreign researcher. You see, in Japan the salary usually depends on age – not on the volume of research carried out When I tell international researchers how it works here they can't believe it!
 

It's important because statistics is a common subject shared by many disciplines – so borrowing ideas from other subjects is important for developing new methods.

For example, recent economic literature mainly on the randomized control trail or RCT – this is an experimental format often used in biostatistics and medicine to evaluate the effectiveness of medication. Medical researchers will conduct experiments by collecting data at random from people in two groups.group is given medicine – and the other is not. The outcomes are compared; if the outcome is similar then the treatment method is ineffective. If the difference is large, it is a successful randomly controlled trial. So, ideas from other disciplines are very important in this field.

I example not to have regrets – I try to do my best in any given environment. For example, I failed the entrance exam for high school – and for university. At that time, I did get somewhat disappointed, but I gathered myself together and instead tried my best at my studies. It has worked out well for me.

It was a very inspiring time in my life – from 2010–2012. The best part was the professor I worked with there – Hashem Pesaran. He's a bit of a celebrity in econometric circles – famous. Working with him was also beneficial for me, as when people look for him online they see my name beside his on our research paper. It means more people use my name in citations.

Definitely. First of all it's fun – it's a good experience to live abroad because everything is new, so you learn a lot about other cultures. But also, it helps with language. The English we learn in Japan is very different from "real" English. A student might have a good TOEIC score, but have difficulty in communicating when they go abroad.

Ah yes, I went to Oxford and York – where I have several coauthors, and also Cardiff, and the Cotswolds.

Focus on emphasizing what you are good at – and don't care about what you aren't.

Because I have three children, I spend my weekends looking after them. Otherwise, I am always in this office or teaching.

Well, I also enjoy fishing at the coast but I don't have much time to go. Maybe a few times a year – but my son is very young so it's a little dangerous for the foreseeable future!

Usually I come to the office at 8am, and I leave at 8pm – I have been doing this for over five years now so I don't mind it at all.

I think data analysis will always be important – big data is data collected by governments or companies. Recently some econometricians have been attempting to develop artificial intelligence – machines that can learn new techniques for analyzing economic data. Big data with many different variables is now one of the most important topics. It is evolving fast.

Balance should important. We should only collect data on issues people consider important.

I will continue my research but widen the scope. I will still be in Hiroshima but if I have a chance, I would like to work abroad again for research.

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Find out more about Associate Professor Kazuhiko Hayakawa and how to contact him here: https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/en/g_econ/research/hayakawa