Nikkei (Free subscription) | 2 hours ago
Yosano, Koike Join Crowded Field In LDP Race To Succeed FukudaTOKYO (Nikkei)--Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Kaoru Yosano and former Defense Minister Yuriko Koike both announced Monday they will run in the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election on Sept. 22, bringing the likely number of candidates to five.
Japan Probe (Free subscription) | yesterday
When Yasuo Fukuda went before the press last week and declared that he was resigning as Prime Minister, he had little idea that one of the phrases he used would become a new comedic internet meme. “You said I sounded detached, but I am able to see myself objectively. I am different from you.(あなたとは違うんです)” [...]
Nikkei (Free subscription) | 09/05/2008
Outgoing PM Fukuda Says Japan-China Ties Will Continue To DevelopTOKYO (Kyodo)--Outgoing Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda told the visiting head of the China-Japan Friendship Association on Friday that bilateral ties will continue to develop as they have done while he has been in office, a Foreign Ministry official said.
The Economist (Free subscription) | 09/04/2008
For the country, the start of an awfully big adventure AS YASUO FUKUDA walked from the stage this week, his colleagues angrily recalled why they had propelled him into the country’s top job in the first place. It was to avoid a repeat of their humiliation last autumn at the hands of his younger predecessor, Shinzo Abe, who had shuffled his cabinet in the face of low popularity ratings, opened...
Trans-Pacific Radio (Free subscription) | 09/04/2008
In this edition of TPR News: Prime Minister Fukuda resigns, Taro Aso declares his candidacy for the post, LDP reformers consider Yuriko Koike, DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa officially declares for reelection in a race that will be uncontested, a new third party, the Reform Club, is formed, more Russian rikishi and an Australian rugby [...]
Urban Dirt (Free subscription) | 09/04/2008
... “cog in a machine” worthlessness are all part of the scene. But I wonder. I wonder exactly how Fukuda’s surprise resignation actually went down. I wonder if it went something like this... We are in the Kantei on Sunday morning. Mrs Fukuda has brought Yasu-chan a nice cup of tea, and he is reading the papers. He does not look happy. Yasu-chan: Oh balls. Balls, balls balls. Mrs Fukuda:...
Woolly Days (Free subscription) | 09/03/2008
Ruling party secretary-general Taro Aso is the odds-on favourite to become Japan’s next Prime Minister later this month. He will be the 11th prime minister in the last 15 years. The 67 year old Aso was runner up to incumbent Yasuo Fukuda in last year’s election for premier and remains a popular and congenial figure. It is possible he will now be the only candidate to replace Fukuda who...
Business Times Asiaone (Free subscription) | 09/02/2008
FOUR names - two men and two women - emerged yesterday as possible candidates to succeed Yasuo Fukuda as prime minister of Japan following his sudden decision to quit the office.
Japan Times (Free subscription) | 09/02/2008
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda told his fellow Liberal Democratic Party members in the Diet on Wednesday he was sorry about his surprise decision to step down earlier this week. "I would like to apologize to everyone for not being able to live up to your expectations," Fukuda said at a meeting for all LDP Diet members at party headquarters in Tokyo. "I came to this rational conclusion after...
People Daily (Free subscription) | 09/02/2008
Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda announced his abrupt resignation Monday evening, sending shockwaves across the nation and incurring criticism. Sluggish public support rate and tough political situation such as the "contorted" Diet finally cornered Fukuda to step down less than one year in office. As Fukuda recalled at the hastily-convened press conference at his official residence,...
The Heritage Foundation Papers (Free subscription) | 09/03/2008
Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's abrupt resignation has again thrown Japan’s political landscape into uncertainty.
Japan Times (Free subscription) | 09/02/2008
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's sudden resignation Monday may set in motion a round of political upheaval, with his successor likely to dissolve the Lower House and call a snap election before year's end, critics say. The term of the House of Representatives lasts until next September, but even before Fukuda became the nation's leader, speculation has been unending about when the chamber...
Japan Times (Free subscription) | 09/02/2008
Japan's PR-vulnerable public and lightheaded media have done it again. Between them they have got rid of yet another of Japan's better prime ministers. I have no brief for Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's policies. On two key issues I think he was wrong. One was his determination to force through legislation allowing Japan's naval vessels to continue Indian Ocean refueling for U.S. aircraft heading...
Big News Network.com (Free subscription) | 09/04/2008
Japan's PR-vulnerable public and lightheaded media have done it again. Between them they have got rid of yet another of Japan's better prime ministers. I have no brief for Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's policies. On two key issues I think he was wrong. One was his determination to force through legislation allowing Japan's naval vessels to continue Indian Ocean refueling for U.S. aircraft heading...
Global Voices Online (Free subscription) | 09/02/2008
Tobias Harris from Observing Japan gives more background information about the sudden resignation of Prime Minister Fukuda.
