Graduated from the University of Tokyo. Began his career as a public prosecutor at the District Public Prosecutors Office in Tokyo in 1965. Served as first secretary at the Embassy of Japan in the US from 1975 to 1978. Held various posts prior to becoming prosecutor general, including chief public prosecutor, director general of the Criminal Affairs Bureau, and administrative vice minister of the Ministry of Justice. Is an attorney at law and president of Tokyo Woman’s Christian University, and is also known for his research on Inazo Nitobe.