Graduated from the University of Tokyo, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, with MA in International Relations. Joined the Ministry of Finance in 1977, and served as Head of the Ishinomaki Tax office, Deputy Budget Examiner of the Budget Bureau (defense budget), Japanese Delegation to the OECD. Became Professor at the Nagasaki University Faculty and Graduate School of Economics in 1994, and served as the Dean of the Faculty and Graduate School of Economics until 1997. Became Director of Cabinet Headquarters of Hanshin-Awaji Reconstruction, Financial Minister at the Embassy of Japan in London, Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs of the Financial Services Agency, Director-General of Kinki Region Finance Bureau.

Executive Director for Japan of the World Bank from July 2007, and since August 2010, is the Advisor for Asia a the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington D.C.