Yukio Hatoyama, Japan's Next Leader

YUKIO HATOYAMA

Yukio Hatoyama who is now 62 years old, is head of the Democratic Party of Japan, won August 31 won over the most predominant politic group Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which had governed the nation since 1955. This is a great impact in Japan's history due to the changes that the country is going to endure. They are promising to increase the economy and strengthen ties with Asian neighbors, signaling a potential weakening of the close military and economic relationship with USA. Hatoyama was born into a wealthy political dynasty which people refer to as the Japanese Kennedys having his grandfather as a Prime Minister, his father a Foreign Minister, his brother a Cabinet member, and for last but not least they are one of the founders of Bridgestone tires. He was born Feb. 11, 1947, in Tokyo. Heirs to the Bridgestone tire fortune, he and his younger brother Kunio Hatoyama are believed to be worth a combined $100 million or more. He is an engineer with a PHD. Left teaching in 1983 to work as his father's private secretary. Three years later, assumed his father's seat in parliament and was re-elected seven times. Ironically, Hatoyama's party seeks to end the tradition of inherited parliament posts.Helped found the Democratic Party of Japan and served as its head from 1999 to 2002. Took over again in May. He is a man interested in addressing climate change and nuclear disarmament as he said in a phone call with President Barack Obama. A good change is always good and I think that eliminating the parliamentary rights in the country will help it change the people mind and give more opportunities to other prepared people.