He became a Cabinet member for the first time 39 years and five months later in August 1995, being certified as the Minister of Education by the present Emperor Akihito.
39年5ヵ月後の平成7年（1995年）8月村山内閣改造内閣で初入閣し今上天皇たる明仁から文部大臣の認証を受けている。