Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has died.

Bangla Press Desk: Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has passed away. He breathed his last this past Thursday (October 22) at the age of 90. The country’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) confirmed his death, as reported by NHK.
Born in Tokyo in 1936, Yasuo Fukuda initially worked for an oil company before becoming a political aide to his father. Both he and his father served as Prime Minister of Japan. Fukuda was first elected to parliament in 1990 and went on to win seven consecutive terms. He also served with success and competence in the key government role of Chief Cabinet Secretary.
In 2007, following the resignation of then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Yasuo Fukuda assumed the office of Prime Minister. He was 71 years old at the time—the exact age his father had been when he also became Prime Minister. This marks the only instance in Japanese history where both a father and his son have served as Prime Minister.
As Prime Minister, Fukuda played a significant role in improving Japan’s bilateral relations with China. During his tenure, important reciprocal visits took place with Chinese President Hu Jintao. He also reached an agreement for the joint development of gas fields in a disputed area of ​​the East China Sea. In 2008, while presiding over the G8 summit of world leaders, he spearheaded landmark decisions regarding environmental protection. He resigned in September 2008 and retired completely from politics in 2012.
Japan’s current Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has expressed deep condolences over Fukuda’s passing. She noted that it was thanks to his experience and intellect that many difficult challenges of that era were resolved. His contributions to the Japanese people and his efforts to enhance Japan’s standing on the international stage will long be remembered.
BP/TD