Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC)

SHOKO TAWARA is a Program Officer and co-Task Team Leader at the World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) where she supports the management of TDLC's knowledge sharing programs. Prior to joining TDLC, Shoko was an Assistant Manager at a consultancy firm where she oversaw budget/contract management and resource mobilization for large-scale infrastructure projects. Shoko has a BA in political science from Northwestern University and an master's in international affairs from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). 

JON KHER KAW is a senior urban development specialist with over 20 years of experience in spatial planning, integrated urban development, cities and climate, urban governance, and finance. At the World Bank, he leads strategic policy dialogue, business development, structures and implements investments and financing, and provides analytical and advisory services to national and subnational governments, particularly in South Asia, Middle East, and North Africa regions. He is currently with the global department and supports key knowledge platforms including the Tokyo Development Learning Center. He also chairs the global community of practice on urban and regional planning and has authored several World Bank global reports on urbanization. Jon Kher previously held key positions within the Government of Singapore and holds a master’s degree specializing in housing, real estate, and urbanization from Harvard University, and a master’s in architecture from Columbia University.

RIEKO KUBOTA is a Program Officer of TDLC. She leads TDLC's knowledge production and provide technical inputs to the WB flagship reports supported by TDLC since January 2025. She had been a Senior Environmental Engineer of the World Bank, leading investment and policy advisory on waste management, Circular Economy, and plastic pollution in Asian and European countries. She has worked at the National Institute for Environmental Studies, UNESCO, Devex, and JICA, mobilizing her skills on both project management and academic research. She has academic background in political science and economics.

HARUKA MIKI is an Operations Officer of TDLC. Her thematic experience include jobs and competitive cities, land-based development, municipal infrastructure, and service delivery. She works on a range of TDLC activities, including Operational Support and the City Partnership Program expansion at TDLC. She has contributed to operations in India, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and Tanzania. Prior to the World Bank, she worked in real estate sector at Morgan Stanley and the sustainable city program at Institute for Global Envirobmental Strategies (IGES). Haruka holds dual master’s degree on public policy from London School of Economics and Sciences Po Paris, and a Bachelor's degree from Hitotsubashi University.

SHIN TANABE is a Knowledge Management and Learning Analyst who co-leads TDLC’s Technical Deep Dives and other knowledge exchange initiatives. Previously, he worked with a Japanese nonprofit, a global recruitment firm, and a private university, focusing on global talent development and capacity building. He holds master’s degrees in political science from the University of Toronto and evaluation from the University of Melbourne. He is a certified Instructional Designer.

AYAKO HONZAWA is an Urban Analyst at the World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) and an urban planner and researcher specializing in sustainable urban development. With a Ph.D in urban development from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ayako has played a central role in designing and delivering knowledge exchange programs on topics such as urban land management and urban development, housing, city resilience, and municipal finance. Ayako also taught at Kokugakuin University, where she shares her insights with students in tourism and community development.

ASAMI OTSUKA is TDLC’s Program Assistant. She interfaces with other World Bank teams at all levels of the organization, managing general affairs (office administration, finance, human resources), coordinating operational support, and assisting the Program Manager. Prior to joining the World Bank, Asami gained experience in both the private sector and in international diplomatic organizations as an executive assistant at Edenred Japan, a major employee benefit service provider, and at the Honduran Embassy in Tokyo. Having lived for 15 years in Latin America, Asami is proficient in Spanish as well as Japanese and English. She holds a BA in English literature from Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo.

DANICA "Dani" GONZALEZ is the Team Assistant supporting Urban, Land, and Disaster Risk Management lending operations in the Philippines. She recently concluded a stretch assignment providing logistical and technical assistance on gender-based violence (GBV) to a Transport lending project in the Philippines. Prior to joining the World Bank, she was a Program Coordinator in a non-governmental organization doing gender and development work alongside the UN and other development agencies. She holds a Bachelor's degree in International Studies with a minor in Peace Studies, and has completed master's degree units in Anthropology. She is currently on developmental assignment with the Tokyo Development Learning Center.