Bio

David Flath (PhD. in economics, UCLA, 1976) is professor of economics, Ritsumeikan University (since 2013). Previous positions include Osaka University, Institute of Social and Economic Research (2009-2013), North Carolina State University, Department of Economics (1976-2008; since 2008, professor emeritus), and temporary positions over the years at various universities in Japan. Author of The Japanese Economy, 3rd ed. (2014), Oxford University Press, and of numerous articles in professional journals.  The articles mostly apply microeconomics to the study of business and industry. Some broad themes include cross-shareholding, Japan’s main-bank system, the Japanese distribution system, vertical contracts, government regulation of industry and trade, and incentives for innovation in oligopolistic industries. A current project is to understand the pricing and profitability of the Japanese newspaper industry based on econometric analysis.  The aim in all the research is to arrive at convincing explanations for what businesses actually do, Japanese businesses in particular.