Narihiro Hirai joined ERIA as Chief Manager on Healthcare in July 2024 and has been overseeing research projects related to healthcare and social welfare. He is also responsible for budget management and team development within ERIA’s Healthcare Unit, aiming to maximise opportunities to achieve results that further the Unit's mission of advancing self-reliant, sustainable, and equitable healthcare systems in ASEAN member states and East Asian countries through evidence-based policymaking.

Hirai has been with Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) since 2015. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director of the Medical Economics Division within the Health Insurance Bureau, where he negotiated healthcare pricing within Japanese health insurance systems. Prior to his role in the Medical Economics Division, he was Legal Section Chief of the General Coordination Division in the COVID-19 Bureau, managing staff interactions with the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare, and Members of Parliament.