Guide Note:

Yasuo Fukuda is the prime minister of Japan after being elected to the position in September, 2007. Fukuda is also the president of the liberal democratic party of Japan. On September 1, 2008, after less than a year in office, Fukuda announced his resignation, citing parliament opposition and coalition disagreements as the causes that led him to this decision.¹ Fukuda's government received low approval ratings almost throughout its reign. ²

Fast Facts:

1. Born July 16, 1936 in Takasaki, Gunma, Japan
2. Alma Mater: Waseda University
3. Major: Economics
4. Fukuda previously served chief cabinet secretary and was a representative of the 4th Gunma Prefecture
5. He is the 91st prime minister of Japan
6. Fukuda's father was the 67th prime minister of Japan, Takeo Fukuda
7. Spouse: Kiyoko Fukuda
8. Political Party: Liberal Democratic Party
9. Preceded by: Shinzo Abe
10. Won the presidency of the liberal democratic party by attaining 330 out of 527 votes³
11. In 1990, won a seat in the House of Representatives of Japan
12. Has promised to renew the debate on whether women can ascend to the imperial throne⁴
13. Resigned on September 1, 2008²
14. Served less than a year in office²

During the G-8 Summit, President Bush promised Prime Minister Fukuda that "United States will not abandon" the kidnapped Japanese being being held in North Korea.⁵

Prime Minister Fukada is encouraging the use of renewable energy and is taking steps for a greener future for Japan. By 2012, he plans to ban the use of incandescent lightbulbs.⁶