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Taro Aso

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Taro Aso
NameTaro Aso
CaptionAso in 2016
OfficePrime Minister of Japan
Term start24 September 2008
Term end16 September 2009
PredecessorYasuo Fukuda
SuccessorYukio Hatoyama
Office1Deputy Prime Minister of Japan
Term start126 December 2012
Term end14 October 2021
Primeminister1Shinzō Abe, Yoshihide Suga
Predecessor1Katsuya Okada
Successor1Vacant
Office2Minister of Finance
Term start226 December 2012
Term end24 October 2021
Primeminister2Shinzō Abe, Yoshihide Suga
Predecessor2Koriki Jojima
Successor2Shunichi Suzuki
Birth date20 September 1940
Birth placeIizuka, Fukuoka, Empire of Japan
PartyLiberal Democratic Party
Alma materGakushuin University, Stanford University, London School of Economics
SpouseChikako Suzuki, 1983
RelationsTakakichi Aso (father), Shigeru Yoshida (grandfather)

Taro Aso is a veteran Japanese politician who served as the Prime Minister of Japan from 2008 to 2009. A prominent figure within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), his career has spanned decades, including a lengthy tenure as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance under Prime Ministers Shinzō Abe and Yoshihide Suga. Known for his conservative views and outspoken style, Aso hails from a powerful political dynasty and has been a central, if sometimes controversial, figure in modern Japanese politics.

Early life and education

Born in Iizuka, Fukuoka Prefecture, Aso is a scion of the influential Aso family, which founded the Aso Group of companies. His maternal grandfather was former Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida, and his father, Takakichi Aso, was a politician and business leader. He attended the elite Gakushuin University before studying at Stanford University and the London School of Economics. Prior to entering politics, Aso worked for the family's mining business, Aso Mining Co., and represented Japan in shooting at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.

Political career

Aso was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1979 from the Fukuoka 8th district. He rose through the ranks of the LDP, holding numerous cabinet posts including Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. As Minister of Foreign Affairs under Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, he was known for advocating a tough stance toward North Korea and strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance. He held leadership positions within the LDP, such as Secretary-General, and made several bids for the party presidency before his eventual success.

Prime Minister of Japan

Aso became Prime Minister of Japan in September 2008, succeeding Yasuo Fukuda, during the global financial crisis of 2007–2008. His administration launched large-scale economic stimulus packages to combat the recession. However, his government was plagued by gaffes, internal party dissent, and low public approval ratings. The LDP suffered a historic defeat in the 2009 general election to the Democratic Party of Japan led by Yukio Hatoyama, ending Aso's premiership after just one year.

Post-premiership activities

Following the LDP's return to power in 2012, Aso was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance by Prime Minister Shinzō Abe, roles he retained under Yoshihide Suga until 2021. In this capacity, he was a chief architect of "Abenomics," overseeing monetary policy and fiscal measures like the consumption tax hike. He also served as vice president of the LDP. Despite stepping down from the cabinet, he remains a powerful faction leader within the party, heading the Aso faction.

Personal life and public image

Aso is married to Chikako Suzuki, the daughter of former Prime Minister Zenko Suzuki. He is an avid reader of manga and has been known to frequent comic book stores, a hobby he has publicly promoted. His blunt and often undiplomatic remarks, including controversial statements about history, the elderly, and other nations, have frequently sparked domestic and international criticism. These gaffes have significantly shaped his public image as a colorful but polarizing political figure.

Political positions and legacy

Aso is a staunch conservative and nationalist. He is a regular visitor to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine and has made remarks downplaying Japan's wartime actions, drawing protests from China and South Korea. Economically, he has advocated for privatization and fiscal discipline. His legacy is complex: he is credited with being a steady hand as finance minister during a challenging economic period but is also remembered for a premiership marked by electoral failure. His enduring influence stems from his long tenure, control of a major LDP faction, and his role as a link to the party's postwar conservative lineage.

Category:Taro Aso Category:Prime Ministers of Japan Category:Deputy Prime Ministers of Japan Category:Finance ministers of Japan