Ph.D. in Acoustics Engineering by Cambridge University. Master's and bachelor's degrees in Mechanical Engineering by the School of Science and Technology of Waseda University. Prof. Hirami has extensive experience in the automotive sector, holding several managerial positions for Mazda Motor Corporation. As the executive vice president of Mazda Logistics Mexico, he contributed significantly to the establishment and start-up of the Mazda Salamanca plant operation. As an academic, he worked at Hiroshima University as a Specially Appointed Professor while being in charge of the Global Innovation Division of the Center for Collaborative Research & Community Cooperation. Currently, he is a Professor at the Department of Engineering & Design of Kagawa University and a visiting Professor at Hiroshima University. Having lived in the USA, the UK, Germany, and Mexico while engaging in R&D and planning activities, he is familiar with overseas expansion and cross-cultural management. His current research focus is the development of innovation ecosystems and the creation of international networks.