Katsunori Hirano is a corporate affiliate visiting fellow at the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (Shorenstein APARC) for 2011–12. He was born in Shizuoka prefecture, "the sunny side of Mount Fuji," and has worked for the Shizuoka Prefectural Government for nearly 20 years. Prior to joining Shorenstein APARC, he served in multiple roles at the Shizuoka Prefectural Government, including environmental policy-making, regional diplomacy, and inbound tourism promotion. During his fellowship at Shorenstein APARC, his research will focus on a paradigm shift harmonized with ecosystems and nature for a nuclear-free sustainable future.

Hirano earned his bachelor's degree in law from Chuo University, Japan, and his master's degree of arts in urban affairs and public policy, with a concentration in energy and environmental policy, from the University of Delaware.