Minami is a member of the so-called Shōwa 55 group (55年組), a group of eight strong players that become professional in 1980–1981 (year 55 of the Shōwa period) and won numerous shogi tournaments.
S jeho volejbalovou reprezentací získal tři olympijské medaile, dvě zlaté (OH v Tokiu roku 1964 a v Mexiku roku 1968) a jednu bronzovou, z Mnichova 72.