Kan Suzuki

Education Policy / Human Resources Policy / Healthcare Policy / Sports and Cultural Policy / Science and Technology Policy

Born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1964. After graduating from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tokyo in 1986, he joined the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). After serving as an associate professor at Keio University and in other roles, he was first elected to the House of Councillors in 2001 and served a total of 12 years. During that time, he held posts including Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (two terms) and Special Advisor to the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (four terms), leading education reform and revisions to the entrance examination system. He is currently a professor at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Public Policy and a specially appointed professor at Keio University, working on education, regional revitalization, and innovation creation. Inspired by his visit to Shoka Sonjuku while on secondment from MITI to Yamaguchi Prefecture, he founded the “Suzukan Seminar.” To date, the seminar has produced graduates active across a wide range of fields, including IT, healthcare, education, and local and central government ministries and agencies. He also serves as Vice Representative Director of the Japan Well-being Society.