Background of Establishment

1. The Beirut Experience: Deep Feelings for the Middle East

The representative, Tetsuo Koyama, lived in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, from 1968 to 1970 for a period of two years.

During this time, he gained a deep understanding of the culture, society, and political situation of the Middle East, and came to consider Lebanon as his “second homeland.” Recently, witnessing the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, such as the tensions between Hamas and Israel, and the continuing hardships in Lebanon, his strong desire to contribute to the peace of the Middle East and the world has been rekindled.

These experiences and insights have become a fundamental foundation for the establishment of Asia Mideast Research Institute Japan and continue to shape its activities today.

2. The Legacy of His Father, Shigeki Koyama: Dedication to Middle Eastern and Asian Studies

Shigeki Koyama (passed away in 2014), the president’s father, was dedicated to establishing the Japanese Institute of Middle Eastern Economies, which was founded in 1974.

Later, he served as the chief researcher and chairman of the board of directors and was also devoted to the peace process in the Middle East.

Following in the footsteps of his father, we, Asia Mideast Research Institute Japan, continue our research for peace and prosperity in the Middle East region.

(The Japanese Institute of Middle Eastern Economies is now The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan JIME center)

3. Japan’s Role Utilizing its Neutral Position

Japan maintains a neutral position with many Asian and Middle Eastern countries.

This neutral position allows us to offer a fair and balanced perspective on several international issues.

We seek to leverage this unique position of Japan to promote dialogue and cooperation among the regions.

Through analysis and recommendations from a neutral perspective, we contribute to a more peaceful and stable world.

Representative Akio Koyama

Born in November 1962.

Graduated from Tokyo Metropolitan Shinjuku High School in 1981.

Graduated from Yokohama National University, Faculty of Economics in 1986.

Graduated with an MBA from UCLA Anderson School in 1992.

Joined The Industrial Bank of Japan in 1986, where Akio worked for approximately 13 years in the international sales and asset management departments. Afterward, Akio was involved in asset management and fund operations at foreign financial institutions, including Citigroup, Deutsche Bank Group, and Goldman Sachs.

In 2013, became the President and CEO of Synergy Capital Management, owning 100% of the company.

In January 2024, established the Asia-Middle East Political and Economic Research Institute.

Calligraphy by CEO Akio Koyama