Born in Toba City, Mie Prefecture, in 1957. Graduated from the University of Tsukuba Graduate School of Art and Design in 1983. Involved in the development of various video games as a game producer before founding Creatures Inc. in 1995. In 1996, produced Pokémon Red and Green, which became the basis for all subsequent Pokémon related products, and after that, became the producer for all Pokémon video games. In 1998, founded POKEMON CENTER Co., Ltd. (now The Pokémon Company) and became the president and representative director. Currently, handles brand management for all Pokémon products, including video games, trading card game, videos, and apps.