Personal

Born in 1943 in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Married with two children. Hobby: Singing (folk songs with the guitar).

Education

He was an American Field Service exchange student at The Choate School, Wallingford, Connecticut, USA in 1960-61. He earned an LL.B. from the University of Tokyo in 1966 and an M.A. in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University in 1968.

Professional Background

Joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1966 he served in various positions at the Ministry including Director, First International Organizations (GATT) Division, Economic Affairs Bureau, Director, Japan-US Security Division, and Director, First North America Division, both in the North American Affairs Bureau. He was posted as Deputy Japanese Representative to the Conference on Disarmament, Geneva (1987-88) and Deputy Head of Mission at the Japanese Embassy in Canberra, Australia (1989-91), as well as Minister Plenipotentiary at the Japanese Embassy in London (1994-97). In 1998 and 1999, he served as Foreign Ministry Spokesman / Director General for Press and Public Information. In 2000, he was appointed Ambassador to Pakistan; from 2003 to 200