Masami Tanabu

Masami Tanabu graduated from Rikkyo University in 1957 with a degree in economics and joined the Iwakura Corporation, but remained active in the sport of ice hockey by playing for the company team. He was selected to represent Japan at two editions of the Olympic ice hockey tournament, but was eliminated in the first round each time, with the nation placing 8th and 11th overall respectively. He also helped coach Japan at the 1972 Sapporo Games.

During this time, Tanabu served in the Aomori Prefectural Assembly, beginning in 1967, and remained there until 1975, when he made an unsuccessful run for the House of Representatives. Three years later, however, he was elected, and he served through 1996, before being elected to the House of Councillors in 1998. He would stay there until his 2010 retirement, serving as the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries from 1991 through 1993 under Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa.