Toshitami Kaihara (August 24, 1933 - November 13, 2014)[citation needed] became a Vice Governor[1] in 1970 and Governor of Hyogo Profecture[2] in 1986, a position he held for four terms over 15 years.[3] Prior to that he was an official at the Ministry of Home Affairs.[4] He held a place in the government for over two decades.[5] He took an active role in the Hyogo earthquake aftermath, presiding over the Hyogo Earthquake Memorial 21st Century Research Institute.[6] He was also Director General of the Environment Award.[7]