Alex Kerr, Chairman

After coming to Japan with his family at the age of twelve in 1964, Iori founder Alex Kerr has been deeply involved with Japan and East Asia ever since. Alex took degrees in Japanese Studies at Yale University and Chinese Studies as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, before returning to work permanently in Japan in 1977.

Alex ran the Oomoto School of Traditional Japanese Arts for 20 years from 1977-1997, and later founded the Origin Arts Programs in Japan and Thailand. Today, he divides his time between these two countries.

Alex is Chairman of Iori, and also active in rural areas of Japan, working to preserve heritage houses that would otherwise be torn down.

In Japan, Alex is perhaps best known as an author. He wrote his first book LOST JAPAN (English edition: Lonely Planet, 1996) in Japanese, and it later won the Shincho Gakugei Prize (Japan’s equivalent of a Pulitzer), for the best work of non-fiction of 1993, the first time this award was ever granted to a foreigner.

Alex's next book, DOGS AND DEMONS (Hill and Wang, 2001) has had an even greater impact. Describing in detail Japan's modern troubles, the book has led Alex to become a regular speaker here, addressing groups throughout Japan on how to beautify and revive towns and rural areas.

Profile
1952 - Born in Bethesda, Maryland, USA
1964 - Moved to Yokohama with family
1973 - Keio University Japanese Language Degree
1973 - Purchased thatched house Chiiori in Shikoku’s Iya Valley
1974 - BA from Yale University
1977 - BA and MA in Chinese Studies at Oxford University
2004 - Founded Iori Co.
2007 - Named to Prime Minister’s Tourism Committee
2007 - Launched Chiiori Trust NPO in Iya Valley, Shikoku
2008 - Named Yokoso Japan! Ambassador

Hideki Kajiura, President

Born in 1956. After graduating from Univ. of Tokyo (faculty of law), entered Japanese National Railways (JNR). Assigned to several offices including Kanazawa Vice-Stationmaster, Kanazawa Railway Administration Bureau, JNR Head Office Passengers Bureau, Chief Researcher in Management Planning Office, Financial Bureau of Ministry of Home Affairs, Ability Development Bureau of JNR Head Office. Left JNR after its privatization.
In 1987, joined the retail shop chain managed by his father-in-law. In 1997, assumed the position of President. After the passing of his father-in-law, left the office of President to assume the position of advisor in 2000.

Establishing TK Planning & Consulting Co., Ltd. In 2002, began a revitalization, logistics, and restaurant business. In 2003, involved in establishing Seibu Shinkin Capital Co. and TAMA Fund, assumed the position of President of Seibu Shinkin and committee member of the TAMA Fund. Now an advisory member.
In 2003, established Iori Co. and assumed the position of President. In 2004, assigned as a member of Administration Valuation Committee of Nakano Ward, Tokyo. In 2007, assigned as a member of the City Revitalization Supporting Committee of the Furusato Foundation.

Yoshiko Negishi, Executive Director

Born in 1953. After graduating from the Business Administration Dept. of Aoyama Gakuin University, entered Nemic Lambda Co. After passing the CPA examinations, joined Ernst & Young in 1979. In 1984, opened Negishi CPA Office. In 2003, established Chuo Sogo Business Consulting Co., Ltd. with offices in Tokyo Marunouchi, Tokyo Nakano, Kyoto, Sendai, Morioka, Osaka and Shanghai. Specialist in corporate revitalization, property tax and inheritance tax.
In 2003, established Iori Co. assuming the office of Executive Director.