Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Support for Japanese Female MP

From the Sydney Morning Herald:
"Japan's popular former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi has thrown his weight behind Yuriko Koike, who is trailing in polls in her bid to become the nation's first female leader.

But Mr Koizumi, Japan's longest-serving prime minister in recent times, was quoted yesterday as coming out on behalf of Ms Koike, a former defence minister who has pledged to carry out free-market reforms from Mr Koizumi's 2001 to 2006 tenure.

The intervention was unusual for Mr Koizumi, who has mostly kept a low profile since stepping down, focusing on his hobbies.

Mr Koizumi was a rare modern Japanese prime minister, enjoying popularity throughout his tenure. Voters were drawn to his charismatic campaign style, which included picking fights against the old guard of the Liberal Democratic Party."


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