Professor Takatoshi Ito, former director of the Friends of UTokyo, passed away on September 20, 2025 (U.S. time) at the age of 74. Professor Ito served as a professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and was a globally renowned scholar in the fields of macroeconomics and international finance.
He served on the FUTI Board as the Director of Academic Affairs, dedicating himself to nurturing the next generation through initiatives such as establishing the FUTI Travel Award to support young researchers, and presenting lectures. As a role model who played an active part in the international community, he had a profound influence on many young people. We mourn his passing and offer our sincere condolences.
Professor Ito was born in Hokkaido in 1950. After graduating from Junior and Senior High School at Komaba, University of Tsukuba, he entered Hitotsubashi University. He earned his bachelor’s degree (1972) and master’s degree (1975) at Hitotsubashi University before obtaining his Ph.D. from Harvard University (1979). He subsequently held leadership roles at the University of Minnesota, Hitotsubashi University, the University of Tokyo (Center for Advanced Science and Technology, Graduate School of Economics, Graduate School of Public Policy), and the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo and Hitotsubashi University since 2014). He assumed the position of Professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs in January 2015.
His contributions to administration and policy were also extensive. In Japan, he served as Director-General of the International Bureau at the Ministry of Finance (Senior Vice Minister for International Affairs) and as a member of the Council for Economic and Fiscal Policy under the Prime Minister. Internationally, he served as Senior Advisor at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and played an integral role at organizations such as the World Economic Forum. His numerous books and papers that exceed 250 publications, demonstrate exceptionally distinguished scholarly achievements. He was awarded the Japanese Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon in 2011 and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2024.
For those of us left behind, we are acutely aware of the immense void left by his absence. We intend to cherish and carry forward the sentiments he held for Friends of UTokyo and for the next generation, and to further their development. Below this note, we are sharing comments from colleagues who had received guidance and deep inspiration from Professor Ito.
Iwao Ojima, FUTI President
Professor Ito joined Friends of UTokyo as an advisory committee member in 2018 during the tenure of former President Yamada and was appointed as the Director of Academic Affairs the following year in 2019. As a world-renowned scholar in economics, he served as a bridge between the University of Tokyo and Columbia University, and between the Japanese and US economies. He always provided invaluable insights at FUTI Board meetings regarding how to cultivate the next generation of leaders. In recent years, he devoted significant effort to establishing the “FUTI Travel Award” supporting young scholars in academia. This spring, he was active at the University of Tokyo’s premier institution, Tokyo College, supporting President Fujii’s ambitious “College of Design” vision. I was truly shocked to receive the news of his passing. He was a warm-hearted gentleman whose sharp insight and eloquence inspired others. His absence leaves a profound void. We offer our deepest condolences and prayers for his eternal rest.
Junji Takegami, FUTI COO
Professor Takatoshi Ito brought his signature wit, intellectual agility, and boundless curiosity to everything he touched, including his work with Friends of UTokyo. He was instrumental in creating the FUTI Travel Award, a visionary program that continues to empower early-career scholars to build global academic networks. His light-footed brilliance and deep commitment to international exchange shaped the award, and we hope to grow it into a lasting legacy of opportunity and connection. I am deeply saddened by his passing, and profoundly grateful to have shared in this meaningful work with him.
Masaaki Yamada, FUTI Advisory Committee Chair
Professor Takatoshi Ito made countless and profound contributions to the field of economics in both Japan and the United States. His passing, at a time when even greater achievements were anticipated, is a tremendous loss to the academic community.
For FUTI as well, Professor Ito was an irreplaceable figure. When I invited him to join the FUTI Board of Directors a few years ago, he graciously accepted, despite his demanding professional commitments. As a board member, he provided invaluable guidance and broad perspectives that strengthened our organization.
In particular, within FUTI’s core scholarship program, Professor Ito worked closely with Director Koide to establish a new framework supporting travel grants for promising young researchers attending international conferences. Thanks to his integrity, wisdom, and dedication, this initiative was successfully launched and managed with great care.
He also delivered numerous engaging and insightful lectures that deepened our understanding of Japan’s place within the global economy, leaving us with lasting intellectual inspiration.
We are deeply saddened by his untimely passing and extend our heartfelt condolences. His warmth, intellect, and leadership will long be remembered with the deepest respect and gratitude.
Masako Osako, FUTI Director of Public Relations
Professor Ito was one of the most popular speakers in FUTI’s lecture series, hosted by its Public Relations team. He consistently addressed timely topics, such as “The Political Situation and Economic Policy Challenges After the General Election” (2017) and “Challenges for the Japanese Economy: Low Birthrate and Aging Population, Fiscal Sustainability, and Geopolitical Risks” (2025), presenting them in a clear and engaging manner, easily accessible even to those outside his field of expertise. His talks were always exceptionally well-received.
Each year, students from the University of Tokyo visit New York as part of the “Experience Activities Program.” During these visits, about ten students had the opportunity to visit Professor Ito’s department at Columbia University and listen to him speak about his career and experiences. When students asked questions such as, “What are the differences between universities in Japan and the U.S.?” or “How can one have a fulfilling life in an American graduate school?”, Professor Ito answered each question thoughtfully and with a touch of humor. His responses remain vivid in my memory.
Active in both Japan and the United States, Professor Ito was a wonderful role model for younger generations. We are deeply saddened by his passing and extend our heartfelt condolences.
