Hashimoto, Ryutaro
Japan's ruling Liberal Democrat Party faces a difficult task in finding a new leader, as the top contenders, Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi and former Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiroku Kajiyama, lack popular appeal and economic expertise. The resignation of Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto on Monday has created a power
Hashimoto, Ryutaro
The Japanese Prime Minister, Ryutaro Hashimoto, is expected to resign this afternoon following a shocking election defeat that will add to anxiety about Japan's political and economic crisis. The demise of Hashimoto, mid-way through carrying out crucial reforms to Japan's banking and financial systems, will be
Political parties
Tomiichi Murayama's 18-month tenure as Japan's Prime Minister ended yesterday, clearing the way for trade hard-liner Ryutaro Hashimoto to take the reins. Mr. Murayama, 71, cited exhaustion as the reason for his resignation, handing over the office to a country weary of economic recession, disasters, and
Political parties
Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama has expressed his strong determination to resign, according to his top political associate, Koichi Kato, secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic party. This move comes as resignation rumours have intensified in recent days, with some newspapers suggesting that Murayama would quit in April, handing over the
