Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda is expected to make a landslide victory in the upcoming LDP presidential race…making him effectively the next Prime Minister of Japan.

Some 55% of all LDP legistlators, with 88% responding to a survey, say they will back Fukuda. 45% will back Aso.

A nationwide poll of LDP supporters want Fukuda (61%) to Aso (27%)…the other 12% were reading comic books.

Aso, the previous frontrunner, met his demise by not working the factional political system in Japan says one reporter. 

Fukuda:

1. favors stronger ties with China

2. a less U.S.-centric foreign policy

3. apologized for chaos created by Abe's departure

4. will not visit Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine

5. will not push for a 'partnership of democracies' at the exclusion of China

6. wants China to be more transparent in their military spending

7. will extend the Japanese naval mission to refuel coalition ships in the Indian Ocean

8. is open to talking more with Pyongyang

9. will be the next Prime Minister of Japan….just like his dad was many years ago.

And the economy said 'hmmmmm.'

What difference does the Japanese Prime Minister make to business in Japan