1984, LLB, University of Tokyo; 1994, MPA, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard. 1984-89, with Mitsui & Co. 1989-90, with Sanden Kotsu Co. 1990-93, with Yamaguchi Gohdoh Gas Co. Dec. 1992 - Feb. 1993, Secretary to Member of the House of Representatives. Feb. 1993 - Aug. 1993, Secretary to the Minister of Finance; Jan.1994 - June 1995, Policy Secretary to Member of the HR ;July 1995, elected to the House of Councillors (HC); Oct. 1999 - July 2000, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Finance; July 2001, elected to the HC; Oct. 2004 - Nov. 2005, Chairman of the HC Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence; Sept. 2006 - Aug. 2007, Senior Vice-Minister of the Cabinet Office; July 2007, elected to the HC; Aug. 2008 - Sept. 2008, Minister of Defence; March 2009 - July 2009, Chairman of the HC Special Committee on Official Development Assistance and Related Matters; July 2009 - Sept. 2009, Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy; Dec. 2012 – Sep 2014, Feb 2015 – Aug 2017, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Since Aug 2017, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology