Hong elected as chair of S. Korean ruling party

Hong elected as chair of S. Korean ruling party

SEOUL, South Korea - Hong Joon Pyo, a four-term lawmaker, celebrates after being elected as the new leader of South Korea's ruling Grand National Party at its national convention in Seoul on July 4, 2011.

Hyogo Gov. Kaihara signals intention to resign

Hyogo Gov. Kaihara signals intention to resign

KOBE, Japan - Four-term Hyogo Gov. Toshitami Kaihara (file photo) has signaled his intention to resign before his current term expires in November next year, sources close to the governor said May 21. They said Kaihara, 67, appears ready to quit now that Kobe's rehabilitation efforts following the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake are virtually complete.

Fukuda to become chief cabinet secretary

Fukuda to become chief cabinet secretary

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows Yasuo Fukuda, 64, a four-term member of the House of Representatives who is expected to become the new chief cabinet secretary, replacing Hidenao Nakagawa. Nakagawa, who is under fire for his involvement in a widening scandal, said Oct. 26 he will tender his resignation on Oct. 27.

Hyogo Gov. Kaihara signals intention to resign

Hyogo Gov. Kaihara signals intention to resign

KOBE, Japan - Four-term Hyogo Gov. Toshitami Kaihara (file photo) has signaled his intention to resign before his current term expires in November next year, sources close to the governor said May 21. They said Kaihara, 67, appears ready to quit now that Kobe's rehabilitation efforts following the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake are virtually complete.

Hong elected as chair of S. Korean ruling party

Hong elected as chair of S. Korean ruling party

SEOUL, South Korea - Hong Joon Pyo, a four-term lawmaker, celebrates after being elected as the new leader of South Korea's ruling Grand National Party at its national convention in Seoul on July 4, 2011. (Kyodo)

Fukuda to become chief cabinet secretary

Fukuda to become chief cabinet secretary

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows Yasuo Fukuda, 64, a four-term member of the House of Representatives who is expected to become the new chief cabinet secretary, replacing Hidenao Nakagawa. Nakagawa, who is under fire for his involvement in a widening scandal, said Oct. 26 he will tender his resignation on Oct. 27.