Born in Osaka Prefecture in 1960
After graduating from the National Defense Academy (science and engineering major) in 1984, Yoshihiro Murai entered the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). He was assigned to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force North-Eastern Army Aviation Group as a helicopter pilot that year, and in 1991 he was assigned to the Recruit Division of the Self-Defense Forces Miyagi Regional Liaison Office. Murai retired from the JGSDF (rank: Captain) in 1992.
In the same year, Murai enrolled in the Matsushita Institute of Government and Management and upon finishing his studies, he was elected as member of the Miyagi Prefectural Assembly in 1995. Murai was elected to three terms, and in 2005 he was elected as governor of Miyagi Prefecture. In 2013, he was elected to a third term as governor.
Education
March 1984: Graduated from the National Defense Academy (science and engineering major)
Experience
April 1995: Elected as assembly member of the Miyagi Prefectural Assembly (first term)
April 1999: Re-elected as assembly member of the Miyagi Prefectural Assembly (second term)
April 2003: Re-elected as assembly member of the Miyagi Prefectural Assembly (third term)
November 2005: Elected as governor of Miyagi Prefecture (first term)
November 2009: Re-elected as governor of Miyagi Prefecture (second term)
November 2013: Re-elected as governor of Miyagi Prefecture (third term)
Mentors
Konosuke Matsushita, founder of the Matsushita Institute of Government and Management (founder of Panasonic)
His universal views in management philosophy and his ambitions help shape Miyagi’s government policies
Quotes
“Follow your destiny and do what his humanly possible”
