I manage a detailed schedule, with a specific day at the National Diet, a specific time at Bengo4.com and a specific time at my law offices. I strive to utilize my limited time effectively in order to keep expanding my outlook rather than be confined to a single world.

As a member of the Diet I’m part of a world which involves possessing the broad perspective of statecraft while listening and answering people’s expectations and voices as part of my commitment to the populace. Bengo4.com, on the other hand, is a world in which I undertake new challenges in technology and systems in order to make experts more accessible. Lastly, at my law offices I’m in the role of resolving troubles in society, something which allows me to see many different walks of life. By having such a range of viewpoints and carrying out my respective duties in this manner, I hope to greatly magnify my potential.

I guess maybe the idea that if I aim to be No. 1 or the only one, then I will be capable of things no one else can perform. A recent conviction of mine is that “you can’t accomplish things without going against common knowledge”

For instance, when I started Bengo4.com, a website that allows clients to consult with legal professionals for free, it received quite a bit of media coverage as it was the first of its kind in Japan. Initially the website was completely pro bono, which meant we struggled in the red for eight years. But, thanks to the interest we garnered in the media as a service capable of changing society, we were able to attract many clients, and eventually became the first legal professionals in Japan to be listed on the stock market. Attracting people’s interest builds a greater network of acquaintances while expanding my world. When I see how this in turn builds upon my capabilities and potential, it inspires me to take on even more new challenges.

I do. First of all, I believe people who enjoy fashion are in the minority here in Japan. There are more people who are interested in apparel now than there once were, but I feel that fashion is still not much of a priority for men to spend their money on, as of yet.

However, recently there many places like ZOZOTOWN where one can find reasonably-priced clothing with good design, so I feel that perhaps a culture of cleverly using those sorts of items to dress well is gaining a bit of a foothold.

I put forth an effort categorize my wardrobe by time, place, and occasion, such as when I’m running errands locally, headed to the Diet or have meetings at Bengo4.com or my law firm, Authense. At the Diet, in particular, I hope to work, within the scope of my dignity as a politician, to transform being a member of our national parliament into a profession that children will aspire towards.In that sense, fashion, too, carries a certain degree of importance.

Ten years ago or so, I saw a Dulles bag in a magazine and bought one in light-brown. It had a traditional impression, and also enough class that I thought it would go well with suit and jacket styles. A lawyer often has to tote around lots of documents and treatises, so I also valued my Dulles for its large carrying capacity and functionality. I took quite a liking to it, and have since purchased a second in brown, a third in black and so forth.

I gave my first light-brown Dulles to a member of the staff at Bengo4.com. After many years of regular use, the leather ages and the shape naturally expands, so I bought a new one and passed along the one I had been using to someone else… That’s the cycle for me. I take my brown Dulles in for maintenance at the same shop where I have my shoes shined, so its leather feels supple. Recently, I have been using it a lot.

A staff member at a store I frequent gives me advice as a sort of personal stylist. This has been going on for over 13 years now. They will come all the way to my home to get an understanding of my wardrobe, and then make suggestions, saying things like “How about doing something like this for fall and winter this year?” We will discuss and go through fabrics to choose from for my suits.

I also found my beloved John Lobb shoes thanks to their recommendation that it was about time I tried out a pair. At first, I was unsure if they would suit me, but I thought they looked superb once I gave them a try. Otherwise, I usually look through magazines and purchase items I think are nice, or buy things after searching on Amazon.

I try to choose things that are straightforward and stick to the basics. In that sense, the Glenroyal and John Lobb items I have, embody this perfectly. Though they are seemingly not flashy, people who understand, will understand. I tend to prefer things that are simple yet exude charisma, to those that are showy and look expensive. Up until I was in my thirties I did buy flashy watches out of the desire to show off (laughs), but now I wear timepieces by brands such as Vacheron or Patek Philippe. It may be too much to think that I’m the only one with an eye for these simple things, but either way I prefer to dress myself with products that have fundamental appeal.