 In 1922, Okano was appointed Minister of Justice in the cabinet of Prime Minister Katō Tomosaburō.In the subsequent 2nd Yamamoto Gonnohyōe administration, he held the portfolios for Minister of Education and Minister of Agriculture and Commerce.In October 1925, Okano was appointed to Vice-President of the Privy Council, and was awarded the title of baron ("danshaku") in the "kazoku" peerage.