Toshihide Numata was the son of Rev. Dr. Yehan Numata, the founder of Mitutoyo corporation and Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai (BDK). Like his father, Rev. Numata served as President of Mitutoyo and Chairman of BDK.
Under his leadership, Rev. Numata increased the number of Numata Chair programs in Buddhist studies at universities throughout the world and oversaw the development of educational and charitable programs. Established in his honor and administered by UC Berkeley, the Toshihide Numata Award recognizes the best academic book published about Buddhism in any given year. The Toshi Award, as it is affectionately known, is now regarded as one of the highest honors a scholar can receive in the field of Buddhist Studies.
Rev. Numata passed away on February 16, 2017 at the age of 84. Known as a decisive leader, Rev. Numata will also be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor.