Kohei Itoh Named Vice Chair of the United States-Japan Foundation
Kohei Itoh, president of Keio University, has been appointed Vice Chair of the United States-Japan Foundation (USJF). He succeeds Takeshi Niinami, the CEO of Suntory Holdings Ltd., who served on the board for a decade. Niinami’s long tenure focused squarely on strengthening U.S.-Japan ties; Itoh steps in with a record that blends science, education, and international collaboration.
Scientific vision and impact
Internationally known for his work in quantum computing, Itoh has helped advance cross-border research and education in Japan. A standout chapter in his career is the research that propelled silicon-based quantum computing forward—work that helped move the field toward real-world use and informed adoption by industry, including Intel Corp. The throughline is clear: rigorous science paired with an eye for partnership.
Building the Keio Quantum Computing Center
In 2018, Itoh founded the Keio Quantum Computing Center, creating a home for researchers and partners to push quantum technologies. The center has developed strong relationships with leading technology companies, including IBM, to accelerate progress in the field. Under his leadership, Keio University has drawn growing attention from the global academic community, reflecting steady work rather than splashy promises.
Pioneering AI partnerships
Since becoming Keio University’s president in May 2021, Itoh has focused on expanding the university’s international reach and working shoulder to shoulder with top education partners. A recent highlight is a partnership with Carnegie Mellon University to advance artificial intelligence research, carried out alongside a range of U.S. and Japanese companies. The initiative points to a simple idea repeated in his work: connect people who build things with people who study them, and let the results speak.
A personal tie to the United States
Itoh has a long-running connection to the U.S., having spent part of his adolescence there and completed graduate studies in the country. That experience informs his commitment to the US-Japan Foundation’s mission. He’s expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and has said the goal of linking future generations in the U.S. and Japan resonates with him on a personal level.
Advisory roles in government
Beyond his university leadership, Itoh advises the Japanese government on science and technology. He serves as an executive member on the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation—chaired by the Prime Minister—and leads the governmental panel on Quantum Technology Innovation. His counsel helps shape the direction of Japan’s technological development.
Education and early milestones
Itoh earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Keio University in 1989 and a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1995. Those academic foundations have supported a career that bridges laboratory research, education, and institution building.
About the United States-Japan Foundation (USJF)
Established in 1980, the United States-Japan Foundation supports stronger relations between the two countries. It has awarded more than $100 million in grants and runs the US-Japan Leadership Program, which connects over 500 fellows across both nations. These efforts underline a straightforward purpose: deepen understanding, build networks, and keep dialogue moving.
What this means going forward
As Itoh joins Chair Lawrence K. Fish and other accomplished board members, his experience is expected to support USJF initiatives that center on cultural exchange, scientific collaboration, and educational opportunity. With a background that spans quantum research and university leadership, he’s positioned to help the Foundation continue its steady work—one relationship, one program, one step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kohei Itoh?
Kohei Itoh is the president of Keio University and a leading figure in quantum computing. He was appointed Vice Chair of the United States-Japan Foundation, succeeding Takeshi Niinami after Niinami’s decade of service on the board.
What does the United States-Japan Foundation do?
Founded in 1980, the United States-Japan Foundation supports U.S.-Japan relations through grants and programs, including the US-Japan Leadership Program, which connects more than 500 fellows across both countries.
How has Itoh contributed to quantum computing?
Itoh’s research advanced silicon-based quantum computing and helped move it toward industry use, including adoption by Intel Corp. He also founded the Keio Quantum Computing Center in 2018 to deepen partnerships and accelerate progress.
What partnerships has Itoh fostered as university president?
Since May 2021, he has emphasized international collaboration, highlighted by a partnership with Carnegie Mellon University to advance AI research with participation from U.S. and Japanese companies, and strengthened ties with technology leaders such as IBM through Keio’s quantum center.
What roles does Itoh hold in government policy?
He serves as an executive member of the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation, chaired by the Prime Minister, and leads the governmental panel on Quantum Technology Innovation, contributing to Japan’s technology strategy.
