Yasuo Fukuda, the former Prime Minister of Japan known for his efforts to improve relations with Asian countries including South Korea and China, has died at the age of 90.
According to Japanese media, including Kyodo News, Fukuda passed away on October 22 from heart failure. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party officially announced his death on the same day.
Fukuda served as Prime Minister from September 2007 to September 2008. He was the son of former Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda, making them the first father-son duo in Japan's history to both hold the office.
Regarded as a prominent member of the 'dove' faction within the Liberal Democratic Party, Fukuda focused on improving relations with neighboring countries during his tenure. He emphasized dialogue and cooperation with Asian nations, particularly in addressing historical issues that had caused tensions. When asked about visiting the Yasukuni Shrine shortly after taking office, he responded, "Is there a need to do something that the other side dislikes?" indicating his cautious stance on the matter.
Fukuda was also proactive in enhancing relations with South Korea. In 2008, he held a summit with then-President Lee Myung-bak, agreeing to establish a future-oriented Japan-South Korea relationship beyond historical grievances. That same year, he reached an agreement to develop a 'strategic reciprocal relationship' during a visit by then-Chinese President Hu Jintao to Japan.
Even after retiring from politics, Fukuda continued to work towards improving Japan-China relations. In 2014, he visited China and met with President Xi Jinping, and he was credited with facilitating a subsequent summit between Xi and then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Born in 1936, Fukuda graduated from Waseda University with a degree in economics and worked for an oil company for about 20 years before entering politics as a secretary to his father, Takeo Fukuda.
He was first elected to the House of Representatives at the age of 53 in 1990 and was re-elected seven times, solidifying his political base. He was appointed Chief Cabinet Secretary in the cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshirō Mori in 2000 and continued to play a significant role in Japanese politics, serving in the same position under Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
Fukuda became Prime Minister after Shinzo Abe resigned in 2007. However, he faced challenges in advancing key policies due to a divided parliament and stepped down in September 2008.
After choosing not to run in the 2012 House of Representatives election, Fukuda remained active in promoting better relations with Asian countries, maintaining influence in Japan's diplomatic circles.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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