Fukuda campaigns in Fukushima

Fukuda campaigns in Fukushima

IWAKI, Japan - Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda shakes hands with local residents during a campaign tour of Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, on Sept. 20 ahead of the presidential election of the Liberal Democratic Party. Fukuda is vying for the prime ministership in a two-man race with LDP Secretary General Taro Aso. The election will take place Sept. 23 and the winner will become prime minister as the LDP holds a majority in the House of Representatives.

LDP presidential contenders stage debate

LDP presidential contenders stage debate

TOKYO, Japan - The four contenders in the race for the presidency of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) take part in an open policy debate at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on April 18. The candidates are (from L) economics minister Taro Aso, former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, LDP policy chief Shizuka Kamei, and former health minister Junichiro Koizumi. The winner of the April 24 election is assured of the prime ministership, as the LDP and its allies control the Japanese parliament.

Fukuda campaigns in Fukushima

Fukuda campaigns in Fukushima

IWAKI, Japan - Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda shakes hands with local residents during a campaign tour of Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, on Sept. 20 ahead of the presidential election of the Liberal Democratic Party. Fukuda is vying for the prime ministership in a two-man race with LDP Secretary General Taro Aso. The election will take place Sept. 23 and the winner will become prime minister as the LDP holds a majority in the House of Representatives. (Kyodo)

Obuchi named prime minister in

Obuchi named prime minister in

Keizo Obuchi (standing), president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), receives applause at the House of Representatives in Tokyo on July 30 after the lower house named him new prime minister, succeeding Ryutaro Hashimoto. Obuchi is virtually assured of the prime ministership as the LDP controls the lower house, which has the final say over who becomes prime minister. The House of Councillors gave the post to opposition Democratic Party of Japan leader Naoto Kan.

3 LDP presidential candidates s

3 LDP presidential candidates s

Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi (L), aspiring to become the next president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) which carries with it Japan's prime ministership, delivers a campaign speech at LDP headquarters in Tokyo on July 23. Seated are his rivals -- former Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiroku Kajiyama (C) and Health and Welfare Minister Junichiro Koizumi (R).