She has been working to advance nursing in Japan, including education, service, and research[2] for more than 30 years.

[3] Minami was born in Kobe in 1942 and grew up in Kōchi Prefecture.

[4] Minami started her career as a staff nurse and then moved to a faculty position.

She was a member of several committees and councils in the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education where she developed health and nursing education policies.

She was the 25th president of the International Council of Nurses from 2005 until 2009 and the World Health Organization Global Advisory Group on Nursing/Midwifery.