Business · Companies · 5 hrs ago
Former Mizuho banker became a university professor in his 50s
Hiroshi Akabane left Mizuho Bank after nearly 29 years and became a professor at Asia University in 2016.
He had worked in banking since 1987, including in Malaysia soon after the Asian financial crisis.
That experience became a research topic, and he returned to study at age 42 before earning a doctorate.
Akabane was in his early 50s when he joined the university’s faculty.
His career change came as many workers face mandatory retirement rules, transfers or re-employment in their 40s and 50s.
A survey of university teachers with business experience found that 92% of those in their 50s struggled with the decision to quit.
Akabane says he did not agonize much, but his long record of academic presentations helped build his credibility.
Hiroshi Akabane became a professor at Asia University in 2016 after working for Mizuho Bank and its predecessor for about 29 years.
He left the bank in December 2015 and took up the post the following April, in his early 50s.
His career included corporate banking in Japan, work in Malaysia, foreign-exchange administration and custody operations.
After working in Malaysia following the Asian currency crisis, he made that experience a research topic and later earned a doctorate.
Akabane began studying at graduate school as a working adult at age 42 and reported at academic conferences for 20 consecutive years.
- Who
- Hiroshi Akabane, a former Mizuho Bank employee who became a professor at Asia University.
- What
- He left the bank after about 29 years and moved into university teaching.
- When
- He resigned in December 2015 and became a professor in April 2016.
- Where
- He joined Asia University in Japan. Earlier, he worked in Malaysia.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Akabane joined the bank that later became part of Mizuho Bank.
He worked in Malaysia and later made that experience a research topic.
He returned to study at graduate school as a working adult.
He left Mizuho Bank after about 29 years.
He became a professor at Asia University.
- Bank career
- About 29 years at Mizuho Bank and its predecessor
- Graduate study
- Began at age 42
- Resignation
- December 2015
- University appointment
- Professor at Asia University from April 2016
- Academic activity
- Reported at academic conferences for 20 consecutive years
What people are saying
I didn't worry that much, if I'm honest.