Japanese politician
Tatsuo Fukuda (福田達夫, Fukuda Tatsuo, born 5 March 1967) is a Japanese politician who currently serves as chairman of the General Council of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. He also serves as a member of the House of Representatives for the Liberal Democratic Party. He is the son of former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and grandson of former Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda.[1]
Early life and career
Tatsuo Fukuda was born on 5 March 1967 in Tokyo, Japan.[2] Fukuda graduated from Keio University and subsequently studied at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.[1][2] Following a decade as an employee of the Mitsubishi Corporation, Fukuda served as a secretary for his father, Yasuo, when he was chief cabinet secretary.[1] Upon his father's ascension to the prime ministership in 2007, Fukuda served as his secretary.[1]
Political career
Following his father's retirement in 2012, Fukuda was elected to the House of Representatives in the 2012 General Election, representing Gunma 4th District. He is a member of the Seiwa Seisaku Kenkyūkai, currently the largest faction in the Liberal Democratic Party.[1]
Kishida government
Following his victory in the 2021 Liberal Democratic Party Leadership Election, Fumio Kishida appointed Fukuda chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party's General Council.[3][4]
In 2022, following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Fukuda dismissed scrutiny emanating from revelations of connections between the Unification Church and his fellow party members, stating: "frankly speaking, I don’t really know what the problem is."[5] Fukuda went on to add he had no connections with the organisation.[5]
