Mr. Kitagawa possesses extensive experience in international trade and economic cooperation.
He began his career in 1981 at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, now known as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). He held several notable positions, including Director-General of the Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau and Commissioner of the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency.
In 2015, Mr. Kitagawa joined MITSUI & CO., LTD., a renowned international trading and investment company based in Japan, where he initially served as Tokyo Head Office Counselor. In 2016, he assumed the role of Executive Managing Officer and later attained Senior Executive Managing Officer. In 2020, he acted as Senior Executive Managing Officer at MITSUI & Co., LTD., INDIA PVT. LTD. In 2022, he commenced the position of independent Director at Kobe Steel, Ltd.
Starting from June 2023, he has taken on the President of the JCAA.