Former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda dies at 90

Former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda died in Tokyo on 22 October due to heart failure, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party announced on Monday. He was 90 years old.

Fukuda, the son of former prime minister Takeo Fukuda, became prime minister in 2007 and served for about a year. One of his decisions helped establish the Consumer Affairs Agency to protect consumer rights, and he promoted legal reforms to strengthen the management of public documents.

He had dedicated himself to stabilising relations with China. During Chinese president Hu Jintao’s visit to Japan in 2008, the two countries issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to promoting a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests.

Kyodo News and The Japan Times also reported his death at 90 on Monday, with the announcement coming from the Liberal Democratic Party.

Sources: Nikkei Asia, https://asia.nikkei.com/life-arts/obituaries/former-japan-prime-minister-yasuo-fukuda-dies-at-90 ; Kyodo News, https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/89439 ; The Japan Times, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/26/japan/politics/yasuo-fukuda-obituary/