Takeshita Noboru

Takeshita Noboru (b. 26 Feb. 1924, d. 19 June 2000). Prime Minister of Japan 1987–9 Although a less controversial figure than many of his contemporaries, Takeshita's achievements have been substantial by comparison with any other Japanese political leader of recent times. The son of a sake maker, Takeshita spent his early adulthood in the Imperial Army Air Corps. After 1945, he taught in a middle school before entering local politics in 1951 in Shimane Prefecture. From this platform he launched his campaign for election to the Lower House in 1958. In a long political career, Takeshita managed to acquire experience in many of the most important Cabinet posts including Chief Cabinet Secretary and Minister of Construction. As Minister of Finance in the Nakasone government, he designed the consumption tax which he was later to introduce as Prime Minister. This enabled a fundamental reform of the Japanese revenue system, despite widespread and virulent opposition. His remarkable political skill was based on his expertise in fund-raising, his skill as a party boss, and his ability as a consummate parliamentarian. After resigning from office because he was implicated in the Recruit scandal, he retained considerable influence within the Liberal Democratic Party.