Masahisa Fujita

Quick Facts: Who was Masahisa Fujita?

Subject:

Masahisa Fujita

Known for:

Pioneer of New Economic Geography; expert in spatial and urban economics.

Born:

1943-07-21

Century / Era:

1943s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Masahisa Fujita (藤田 昌久, Fujita Masahisa; born 21 July 1943) is a Japanese economist who has studied regional science, urban economics, international trade, and spatial economy (new economic geography). He is a professor at Konan University and an adjunct professor at Institute of Economic Research, Kyoto University. Fujita majored in urban planning as an undergraduate at Kyoto University. He studied regional science in University of Pennsylvania under Walter Isard and obtained a Ph.D. (in Regional Science) from University of Pennsylvania in 1972. He taught at University of Pennsylvania for about 20 years, and has been the faculty of Institute of Economic Research (KIER) Kyoto University since 1995, where he served as Director in 1999.

Career & Major Achievements

He was the President of Institute of Developing Economies during 2003 to 2007, and proposed a basic concept of Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia to JETRO and METI. In 2007, he became President and Chief Research Officer of the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry. Fujita is known as one of the pioneers of New Economic Geography, as well as Paul Krugman. Fujita is the recipient of the 1983 Tord Palander Prize, the 1998 Walter Isard Award in regional science, and was also awarded the first Alonso Prize, alongside Paul Krugman. Spatial development planning: a dynamic convex programming approach.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Studies in regional science and urban economics. Amsterdam: North-Holland Pub. Co. ISBN 978-0-444-85157-4. Urban Economic Theory: Land Use and City Size. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1943 (1943-07-21): Birth of Masahisa Fujita — Pioneer of New Economic Geography; expert in spatial and urban economics.
2. 1972: 1972 Milestone — (in Regional Science) from University of Pennsylvania in 1972.
3. 1983: 1983 Milestone — Fujita is the recipient of the 1983 Tord Palander Prize, the 1998 Walter Isard Award in regional science, and was also awarded the first Alonso Prize, alongside Paul Krugman.
4. 1995: 1995 Milestone — He taught at University of Pennsylvania for about 20 years, and has been the faculty of Institute of Economic Research (KIER) Kyoto University since 1995, where he served as Director in 1999.
5. 2003: 2003 Milestone — He was the President of Institute of Developing Economies during 2003 to 2007, and proposed a basic concept of Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia to JETRO and METI.
6. 2007: 2007 Milestone — In 2007, he became President and Chief Research Officer of the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Masahisa Fujita

True or False: “Masahisa Fujita was primarily known for his work on international trade patterns before focusing on regional science.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While he addressed international trade, his foundational and pioneering contributions are most recognized in the fields of regional science and spatial economics.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1943 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1943
• July 21 (07-21) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 21

Frequently Asked Questions about Masahisa Fujita