The Japan Institute for Libertarianism is a private, non-partisan think tank engaged in research, translation, publishing, and outreach on libertarianism and Austrian School economics.
Libertarianism is a political philosophy, while the Austrian School is a tradition in economics. They are distinct, although many Austrian economists have also contributed to classical liberal and libertarian thought.
Libertarian ideas currently have little institutional presence in Japan, and there are few institutional checks on the growth of government. The Japan Institute for Libertarianism was founded in January 2023 to help change that: spreading libertarian and Austrian ideas, translating key works into Japanese, and building a community of people who value individual freedom.
Building awareness and a durable intellectual foundation for libertarian ideas in Japanese public life.
Introducing global libertarian perspectives on current events, including the risk of war and authoritarian drift.
Providing a place for the next generation to study and contribute as researchers.
Translating libertarian and Austrian School books into Japanese and publishing them independently.
Publishing articles on economics and world affairs via note, a Japanese publishing platform.
Producing introductory economics lectures and current-affairs commentary on YouTube.
Hosting weekly online reading groups over Zoom, plus in-person talks and gatherings in Japan.
All titles below are published in Japanese, under the "Japan Institute for Libertarianism Series."
Following the publication of Rothbard's What Has Government Done to Our Money?, we have begun translating his major treatise Man, Economy, and State into Japanese. As this is a very long academic work, we are translating and releasing it chapter by chapter as free PDFs, with a full book edition planned after the translation is complete.
View translation project (Japanese)
Co-Representative of the Institute. Born in Miyazaki Prefecture. Co-founded the Japan Institute for Libertarianism in 2023 with Kenya Kura and Junko Fujimaru. Works to promote libertarianism and Austrian School economics, and oversees the Institute's publishing, articles, videos, events, and relations with partner organizations.
Libertarian economist. Born in Toyama Prefecture. Graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tokyo and earned a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California, San Diego. Co-founded the Japan Institute for Libertarianism in 2023 with Tetsuro Fujimaru and Junko Fujimaru, and serves as its Senior Research Fellow. A leading figure in introducing libertarian ideas and Austrian School economics to Japanese audiences. His research, writing, and lectures focus on free-market economics; at the Institute, he leads book translations, the online reading group, and YouTube lectures. Author and translator of numerous works.
Veterinarian. Born in Osaka Prefecture. Graduated from the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki. Opened a veterinary clinic in 2012. Co-founded the Japan Institute for Libertarianism in 2023 with Kenya Kura and Tetsuro Fujimaru.
From New Hampshire, USA; based in Tokyo. Graduate of the University at Albany. Began working in American politics and campaigns at age 12, and joined the Tea Party movement at 13. Founded a campus chapter of Turning Point USA, a free-market and conservative student organization, and has written as a columnist for conservative media. Has worked on a range of campaigns, including Ben Carson's Republican presidential primary bid, a U.S. Senate race, and state legislative races. The aim of this work is to secure the greatest possible freedom for the individual.
We welcome inquiries from authors, publishers, and research institutions abroad. Most of our content is in Japanese, but we're happy to correspond in English.
