Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda Dies at 90
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda has died at the age of 90. Japanese media reported his death on Monday, and one report said he died last Thursday, 22 October, after remaining engaged in public meetings until the previous day.
Key Points
- Japanese media reported the death of former prime minister Yasuo Fukuda, with one report saying the announcement was made on Monday and that he died on Thursday, 22 October, aged 90.
- Fukuda was born in 1936 and was the son of former prime minister Takeo Fukuda; he later entered national politics after serving as his father's secretary in 1976
- He first won election to the House of Representatives from Gunma in 1990 and later served as parliamentary vice-minister for foreign affairs
- Fukuda served as chief cabinet secretary under Yoshiro Mori and Junichiro Koizumi, earning praise for diplomatic work before resigning in May 2004 over pension payment issues after 1,289 days in the post
- As prime minister from 2007 to 2008, he focused on global warming and improving Japan-China relations; his son Tatsuo Fukuda said he was still meeting people the day before he died
Why It Matters
Fukuda remained associated with efforts to improve Japan-China ties even after leaving frontline politics, a point likely to draw attention in Hong Kong given the city's close interest in regional diplomacy and Japan-China relations. His death also closes the chapter on a political figure from a prominent Japanese political family whose career spanned key cabinet and premiership roles