After graduating from Hokkaido University, he worked at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Japan Research Institute before taking up his current position.

He has also conducted research and taught at the University of Surrey in the UK and Kyushu University. He is practically involved in social innovation, urban regeneration, and community development, and has made developing the next generation his life's work. He heads the Next-Generation Place-Making Lab.

His books include "Urban Marketing" and "Visitor-Attracting City Strategies in East Asia." Born in Fukuoka Prefecture.