This invention relates to a stress-inducible transcription factor derived from maize, a gene encoding the same, and a method for using the same. Specifically, this invention provides a gene comprising the following DNA (a) or (b): (a) DNA consisting of the nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1; or (b) maize-derived DNA hybridizing under stringent conditions with DNA consisting of a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to the DNA consisting of the nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and encoding a protein that regulates the transcription of a gene located downstream of a stress responsive element. Further, this invention relates to a transgenic plant having improved tolerance to environmental stress, such as high-temperature or dehydration stress, into which such gene has been introduced.