Ben Hamamoto

Ben Hamamoto is a Research Director at the Institute for the Future (IFTF), based in Palo Alto, California.12 He has been with IFTF since 2011, starting as a Research Manager before being promoted to Research Director in March 2018.1

Hamamoto's work focuses on exploring how well-being is shaped by social and environmental contexts, drawing from his background in journalism covering issues of race and inequality.2 His research interests include the future of food technology, environments that enhance well-being, the design of healthy places, narrative and health, the meaning of place, and equity and social justice.2

In addition to his role at IFTF, Hamamoto contributes to the Nichi Bei Weekly and edits the National Japanese American Historical Society's official magazine, Nikkei Heritage.23 He holds a B.A. in Cinema from San Francisco State University.2

Prior to joining IFTF, Hamamoto worked as a staff writer for the Nichi Bei Times from 2006 to 2008.1 His upbringing in the diverse socioeconomic conditions of the San Francisco Bay Area inspired his interest in issues of race, class, and social justice, which he covered as a journalist at Youth Outlook and New American Media before transitioning to futures research.2