Recipients of the 14th Nakasone Yasuhiro Award

Age: 52
Nationality: United States
Senior Fellow, Asia Program Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Reason for selection:Well-known as a highly reliable expert who makes policy proposals on the US-Japan alliance and Japan-US security relations, Mr. Schoff is often invited to appear in Japanese media. Deeply involved in research projects with The Japan Forum on International Relations, the Japan Institute of International Affairs, and The Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Mr. Schoff is a Japan expert who frequently represents the US at academic conferences. With business experience in Japan, work at the US-Japan Foundation, and work in the Department of Defense during the Obama administration, Mr. Schoff has exceptionally diverse practical experience and an extensive network. His research activities and important contributions toward enhancing Japan-US relations were highly evaluated in his selection for this award, including his 2017 book Uncommon Alliance for the Common Good: The United States and Japan after the Cold War.

Age: 34
Nationality: Thailand
Profession: Associate Professor International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), Tohoku University

Reason for selection: Recognizing the importance of tsunami disaster prevention after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, Mr. Suppasri commenced PhD research in tsunami engineering under Professor Fumihiko Imamura (5th Nakasone Award recipient) at Tohoku University in 2007. With lessons learned from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami as well, Mr. Suppasri conducts research that will help mitigate tsunami destruction globally. In addition to research, Mr. Suppasri’s achievements include policy proposals for cooperation between international organizations (such as the United Nations) and educational activities in Japan and internationally. His research activities toward contributing to disaster risk reduction were highly evaluated in his selection for this award.

Age: 47
Nationality: Italy
Assistant Professor National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)

Reason for selection: As a student from Italy who came to study at GRIPS, Mr. Pressello pursued research in Japan’s postwar Southeast Asia policy toward a PhD degree in international relations. He has been teaching at GRIPS, International University of Japan, and Keio University, where he gives comprehensive lectures on Japanese history and culture, diplomatic history and foreign policy to international students, with a perspective that differs from that of a Japanese professor. The JICA-University Alliance, begun in commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Meiji Restoration, will actively collaborate with GRIPS and International University. Highly evaluated for his work in both research and practical arenas, Mr. Pressello is expected to play an important role of bridging Japan and the world.