After graduating from the University of Tokyo in 1975, Isao Kiso entered what was then the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture. He held many prominent positions, such as Superintendent of the Hiroshima Prefectural Board of Education, Director of the International Affairs Division in the Minister’s Secretariat, Director-General of the Cultural Properties Department at the Agency of Cultural Affairs, Executive Director for Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Director-General for International Affairs, as well as Ambassador of Japan to UNESCO. He is now Special Advisor to the Cabinet (Government of Japan) in charge of policies related to UNESCO and culture since April 2014. He has also served as President of the Chiba Institute of Science since April 2016.