Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda dies at 90

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda passed away at the age of 90 on October 22, as confirmed by an official from his Liberal Democratic Party on October 26, 2026. Fukuda, who served as prime minister from September 2007 to September 2008, held office for exactly one year after succeeding Shinzo Abe.

His premiership was marked by significant efforts to stabilize and improve diplomatic relations with China. A key diplomatic achievement during his term was hosting Chinese President Hu Jintao in May 2008, marking the first visit by a Chinese head of state to Japan in a decade. The two leaders issued a joint statement pledging to build a mutually beneficial relationship grounded in common strategic interests.

Fukuda resigned from his position in September 2008 following a sharp decline in his public approval ratings. After leaving office, he retired from political life.