Minoru Kiuchi serves as Japan’s Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy in the Ishiba Cabinet, a position he assumed on October 1, 2024, under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. A veteran member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the House of Representatives, Kiuchi represents Shizuoka Prefecture’s 7th District, having been elected seven times since 2003. With a distinguished career spanning diplomacy and politics, he brings a wealth of experience to his current portfolio, which also includes responsibilities for Economic Security, the “Cool Japan” Strategy, Intellectual Property Strategy, and Space Policy.
Born on April 19, 1965, in Tokyo, Kiuchi’s early life was shaped by international exposure, living in Bonn, West Germany, from ages six to ten due to his father’s role as a police attaché. This experience ignited his fluency in German and a global perspective, later honed at the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, where he majored in International Relations. Joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1989, Kiuchi served as a diplomat in Germany and as the official German-Japanese interpreter for Emperor Akihito and prime ministers Ryutaro Hashimoto and Keizo Obuchi. His diplomatic tenure included key postings in Bonn and Augsburg, where he studied political science, deepening his expertise in international cooperation.
Transitioning to politics in 2002, Kiuchi won his first election as an independent before aligning with the LDP to support Shinzo Abe’s leadership. He held significant roles under Abe, including Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs (2012-2014) and State Minister for Foreign Affairs (2014-2015), showcasing his adeptness in foreign policy and economic strategy. Known for his close ties with Germany and his strategic foresight, Kiuchi has been a vocal advocate for innovation, economic security, and Japan’s role in global technology networks.
As Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy in 2025, Kiuchi is driving Japan’s ambition to enhance its research and development capabilities, notably through initiatives like the “Integrated Innovation Strategy 2025,” which he discussed at the 77th Comprehensive Science and Technology Innovation Conference. At the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, he plays a pivotal role as a keynote speaker about AIWS Government 24/7—a vision of continuous, AI-driven governance. His leadership bridges science, technology, and economic security, honoring Shinzo Abe’s legacy while positioning Japan as a global leader in the Age of Global Enlightenment.
Writer: The Boston Global Forum Editorial Board
