1969, BSc in Engineering, Tokyo University; 1976, PhD in Engineering, Stanford University. 1981, Assistant Professor, Senshu University. 1986, elected Member of the House of Representatives; 1990, Parliamentary Vice-Minister, Hokkaido Development Agency; 1993, Vice-Chief Secretary, Hosokawa Cabinet; 1996, Co-Leader, Democratic Party of Japan; since 1999, Leader, Democratic Party of Japan; since September 2009, current position.