Japan's recent leaders

Shinzo

Abe Sept 2006 - Sept 2007

Abe, a conservative from the long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) who tried to boost Japan's global security profile and promote traditional values, struggled to fill the shoes of his charismatic predecessor, Junichiro Koizumi. The grandson of a prime minister, Abe quit abruptly after a year plagued by scandals, an election rout and a parliamentary crisis over Japan's support for US-led operations in Afghanistan. Poor health also played a part in his resignation.