His name became widely known for his excellent performances in the Taiga Drama (NHK TV Historical Drama) "Hana no Ran" (Turmoil of Flowers) in 1994 and in the TV serial story "Aguri" (a woman's name) in 1997.
1994年に出演した大河ドラマ『花の乱』や1997年の連続テレビ小説『あぐり』での好演で、その名が広く知られるようになった。