Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi stands with his son Shinjiro on Saturday.

Koizumi formally announces retirement; names son as successor

Sunday 28th September, 05:54 AM JST

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chibaman at 03:43 PM JST - 28th September

Looks like the next shogun is being readied, and Japan still lives in the 19th century.
Statistician at 03:54 PM JST - 28th September

Doe he think he is a daimyo???
chibaman at 04:14 PM JST - 28th September

Doe he think he is a daimyo???

Yes.
gogogo at 04:31 PM JST - 28th September

Koizumi was the best PM, had character and could handle himself.
Pukey2 at 06:19 PM JST - 28th September

I'd rather see his eldest son, Kotaro, suceed him. At least Kotaro's a bona fide tarento.
Shumatsu_Samurai at 08:13 PM JST - 28th September

This family thing is crazy. His name value will get him elected, though wether he's the man for the job is another matter.

Just like Clinton and Clinton.
Blue_Tiger at 09:12 PM JST - 28th September

The Eldwer Koizumi WILL be missed. Let's hope Junior can make the LDP and Japanese Public forget Daddy VERY quickly...
MeanRingo at 10:31 PM JST - 28th September

Now why would a political icon run the risk of destroying his legacy by handing his power to his son? Any political capital earned could be squandered. You would have to be a complete IDIOT to do that. Hasn't GW taught the world that?
realist at 12:31 AM JST - 29th September

The birth of Koizumi, mark II - as if the first one didnt do enough damage. Of course, he will be elected, simply to maintain the family dynasty system of Japanese politics. Blah blah blah blah It just never ends. Politicians in japan are chosen not on moral or ethical grounds, or because of their policies, but because of who or what they are. Sad.
Triple888 at 12:38 AM JST - 29th September

Proves Japan is still like to rule by little dynasties.
TAMAGAWABOAT at 01:16 AM JST - 29th September

Now, Koizumi Junichiro is the embarrassment of Japan. So many Japanese people had a great disappointment at Koizumi Junichiro Koizumi Junichiro's behavior like this. Koizumi Junichiro made an assertion that he intended to destroy the LDP at risk of his political life 7 years ago. Koizumi Junichiro succeeded in getting the Japanese people into frenzy by his desperate act. However, Koizumi Junichiro desperately tries to protect his own interests now. Shame! Koizumi Junichiro's behavior stand s stand against the principles of democracy.
Badsey at 04:59 AM JST - 29th September

Junichiro will need to work on the hair -not up to Koizumi standards yet.
POTUS at 02:39 PM JST - 29th September

I'm sure he got his job at the American think tank CSIS on his own merits. NOT!
CavemanLawyer at 12:06 PM JST - 30th September

Proves Japan is still like to rule by little dynasties.

Japan is not the only country ruled by little dynasties though. Consider the Bush family.

It bothers me that even though the people have a choice these days with regards to nepotism, they still accept it. It is hard to be critical of Koizumi for this move because he simply could not do it if the voter's would simply reject it. Maybe the son is very capable. I do not know. But I suspect the sheep don't either.

Well, at least I know of no WWII slavery connections in the family unlike with the current PM Aso. --Cirroc
BurakuminDes at 12:27 AM JST - 3rd October

Koizumi (Senior) is a yokel, he relied on his hair and "personality" to get elected. Pity the sons.