Economics of intermediation: goods, labor and money

Many economic and social issues are related to the connections between goods, labor, people and money. My research focuses on the role of intermediaries that connect buyers and sellers in various contexts. For example, in goods and service markets, I explore why platform-based models became the driving force of the modern economy. In labor markets, I ask whether intermediaries truly serve the interests of workers, in particular why they make low-wage labor persist and income inequality continue to widen. In money/finance markets, I investigate why financial intermediaries, which should enhance efficiency, often trigger liquidity crises and asset bubbles. My research aims to provide economic solutions to these real-world issues, addressing areas that existing markets and institutions fail to cover, and to contribute to the realization of a value-creating society that promotes sustainable development.

URL

https://kdb.iimc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/profile_private/en.0965bf6cc42ba043.html