When he was at office of Kenrei (prefectural governor), he was called with a familiar name of 'Kenrei of public work' or 'Oni (ogre) Kenrei', as he aggressively pushed public works (engineering works) ahead over residents' opposition.
県令時代は、住民の反対を押し切り強引に土木工事を進める手法から、「土木県令」や「鬼県令」の俗称で呼ばれた。