Graduated from Hitotsubashi University, Faculty of Law in 1980

Appointed as a legal apprentice in 1980

I was recently appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. I expressed my thoughts upon assuming this office in my Inaugural Address(PDF:108KB)(June 24, 2022). Continuing to remember how I felt when I became Justice of the Supreme Court about five years ago, I will deal with each case and issue with sincerity to ensure that courts become more familiar to and reliable for citizens and eventually further strengthen the “rule of law” in Japan.

My favorite words of wisdom are “Ichigu o terasu.” This is a phrase from the writing of a Japanese priest who lived long ago. It summarizes the importance of individual persons identifying the significance of the given task in the given situation and exerting quiet, devoted efforts to the task. This phrase serves as a caution to myself, and it also reminds me to have respect for people who are fulfilling their responsibilities in their respective positions in society.

I enjoy reading books. I buy pocket-sized paperbacks that catch my eye at bookstores and read them when I have time. My favorite genre is British travel and history writing, but I also read books focused on the histories of other countries and on the histories of specific fields, such as currency, finance, and science. I sometimes reread books that I read when I was young, for instance, “Nihon no Rekishi 1 -26” (History of Japan, Vol. 1 to 26) (Chukobunko) and works written by MATSUMOTO Seicho. After I reread these books, my impression was, of course, different from when I originally read them at a young age. I wonder if this is because I have grown up or because I have become less sensitive (maybe the latter).
I have had a long-time interest in railways since childhood. As I was interested in railway cars that had run in the Showa era, I visited the Railway Museum, Usuitoge Railway Heritage Park, and other places where old railway cars, such as those of the Oigawa Railway, were preserved.
Another pastime of mine is walking, which is also intended for health maintenance, and it has now become a habit. I also enjoy exploring towns and streets. I began walking Tokaido Road years ago, but due to difficulty finding time to walk, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, I have not yet reached the end of the road.