SPECIALITY AND STRENGTH
Broad knowledge and experience in international human rights, in particular, children’s rights and women’s rights
Unique combination of legal practice, NGO activities and academic work
Extensive knowledge of the UN system

EDUCATION
Doctor of Law (Public International law), Aoyamagakuin University, Tokyo, Japan (2020)
Dissertation: Right to Remedies of Child Victims of Violations of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Master of Law (Public International Law), University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan (2003)
Master’s thesis: Clauses to Waiver Claims of Nationals and Diplomatic Protection in Peace Treaties
Master of International Affairs (Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs), Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs, New York, USA (1999)
Diploma, Legal Training, Tokyo, Japan (1990)
B.A. in Law, International Legal Studies, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan (1987)

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION
Qualification as Attorney at Law, Tokyo Bar, Japan (1990)

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Leiden University, Law School, Rotating Honorary Chair in Enforcement of Children’s Rights 2023/2024, Leiden, the Netherlands (2023-2024)
Soka University, Graduate School of Law, Lecturer, Tokyo, Japan (2003-present)
Omiya Law School, Lecturer, Saitama, Japan (2003-2015)
University of Hawaii, Law School, Visiting professor, Hawaii, USA (2011)
Temple University Legal Program in Tokyo, Lecturer, Japan (2002-2003)

BOARD POSITIONS IN ACADEMIC ASSOCIATIONS
Vice-President, Asian Society of International Law (2023-present)
Council Member, International Human Rights Law Association, Japan (2015-present)

HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCE
UN Committee on the Rights of the Child: Member (2017-present), Chairperson (2021-2023)
International Commission of Jurists: Commissioner (2018-present), Executive Committee Member (2021-present)
Engagement with the UN human rights mechanisms and wider UN system through participation both as NGOs and as the government delegation:
Committee on International Human Rights, Japan Federation of Bar Association: Member (1998-present), Chair (2015-2017)
Asia-Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development: Member (2005-present), Regional Council Member (2005-2014)
Co-representative, Japan NGO Network for CEDAW (2012-2016)
Alternate Representative of Japan to the 60th and the 61st sessions of UN General Assembly’s Third Committee (2005-2006)
Advisor of the Delegation of Japan to the 53rd UN Commission on the Status of Women (2009)
Active involvement and leadership positions in the work of national, regional and international bar associations:
Vice-President, Japan Women’s Bar Association (2004-2005)
Country representative of Japan, Family Law and Family Rights Section of LAWASIA (The Law Association for Asia and the Pacific) (2012-present)
Council Member, International Bar Association Human Rights Institute (2021-2022)
Co-Chair, Women Lawyers’ Interest Group, International Bar Association (2013-2014)
Board member, National Committee of UNICEF Japan (2017-present)
Co-representative, Lawyers Network for Foreigners, Japan (2009-2019)
Participation as a speaker in numerous trainings on international human rights, children’s rights and women’s rights for lawyers, judges, prosecutors, government officers and other professionals of specific countries including Cambodia, Mongolia, Iraq, Malaysia, Iran, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Viet Nam, Thailand, Fiji, Czech Republic, Slovakia as well as groups of participants from various countries

WORKING EXPERIENCE
Practicing law in family law with focus on women, children and international family cases, Japan (1990-present)
Family Affairs Conciliator, Tokyo Family Court, Japan (2004-present)
Director, Office of International Affairs, Japan Federation of Bar Association, Japan (2006-2007)

PUBLICATIONS AND LECTURES
Numerous articles and chapters in publications on international human rights, children’s rights, women’ rights, family law, mostly in Japanese
Frequent invited speakers at UN side-events, workshops, seminars, expert roundtables, and NGO meetings