His successor, Yasuo Fukuda, has pledged to continue along the path of reform while addressing inequality.

ECONOMIST: Business in Japan

As host, Japan's prime minister, Yasuo Fukuda, is determined to make the best of the contradictions.

ECONOMIST: The G8 summit

Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda spent his early career at an oil company when crude was a dollar a barrel.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Now comes Yasuo Fukuda to the top post, as the Liberal Democrats try to shore up their political flank.

FORBES: Magazine Article

"We welcome the announcement, " government spokesman Yasuo Fukuda said at a press conference.

CNN: Korea talks 'first step' before economic tie

When a harassed Yasuo Fukuda, the chief cabinet secretary, then reportedly let slip that Japan might rescind its non-nuclear policy, it caused yet another uproar.

ECONOMIST: Japan: Handcuffs and gridlock | The

By the same token, the odds have improved for Yasuo Fukuda, a grand old party man who belongs to the same faction as Mr Abe.

ECONOMIST: Japan's succession: After he's gone | The

The prime minister, Yasuo Fukuda, will come under huge pressure to water down the ideas before he submits them to the Diet (parliament), as part of an economic plan, in June.

ECONOMIST: Corporate governance in Japan