Across the World: Japan

Koizumi backs Koike

Former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi has backed Yuriko Koike in her bid to become Japan's first female leader, but an analyst said the backing of the popular politician was unlikely to lift her to victory.

Outspoken former foreign minister Taro Aso is the frontrunner among five candidates seeking to replace Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and Japanese media said he has enough support among ruling party lawmakers and branches to win the job.