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Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda announced his resignation on September 1. The decision was likely to further delay decisions on market reforms, even as there was a danger of an impending recession with the Japanese economy posting its sharpest contraction in nearly seven years in the previous quarter1. Former foreign minister Taro Aso announced that he would run for the post vacated by Mr. Fukuda2. Reports also noted that Mr. Aso would offer rival Yuriko Koike a cabinet position if he was elected Japan's new prime minister3. Meanwhile, Makoto Koga, a senior lawmaker in charge of election strategies for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suggested that snap polls could be held in November4.
In other developments, Tokyo announced that it would end an air mission in Iraq, wrapping up a military deployment which was a historic first for the country. Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura stated that Japan planned to bring back by the end of the year men and material that were dispatched in support of the US-led coalition5.
- 1. “Japan economy contracts,” The Daily Star, September 14, 2008, at http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=54661
- 2. “Aso announces bid to lead Japan's ruling party,” The Daily Star, September 6, 2008, at http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=53470
- 3. “Japan PM hopeful Aso to offer rivals key posts: report,” The Associated Foreign Press, September 14, 2008, at http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jWxK4ROx8xpdR9R8bSszHMA3JCAA
- 4. “Japan snap polls in Nov likely,” The Daily Star, September 8, 2008, at http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=53864
- 5. “Japan to end Iraq mission,” The Associated Foreign Press, September 11, 2008, at http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5i6wrbLEkh0daJ_G_X8855HIKe2tQ