Career
Until May 2004, he was Professor of Japanese Religions in the departments of Religion and East Asian Languages and Culture at Columbia University. He has also written about Ryōkan and Saichō. He received his bachelor"s degree in economics from Keio University and his master"s degree from School of Advanced International Affairs, Johns Hopkins University.
He then received his The Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy in religious studies from Columbia University.
In 1991 he began teaching at Columbia, and in 1998 became the Kao Associate Professor of Japanese Religions. He is a recipient of the Philip and Ruth Hettleman Award for distinguished teaching.
