Key facts
- Fukuda was the first son of a prime minister to become premier himself.
- He served as prime minister for less than a year after taking office in 2007.
- Fukuda was a graduate in economics from Waseda University.
- He served as chief cabinet secretary from 2000 to 2004.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who sought closer ties with Asian neighbors during his tenure, has died at the age of 90, Nikkei reported on Monday. Fukuda died on Thursday from heart failure, according to the report. He became prime minister in 2007, succeeding Shinzo Abe, but his term lasted less than a year, shorter than his father Takeo Fukuda's two-year stint. Fukuda, a graduate of Waseda University, worked in the oil industry before entering politics. He served as chief cabinet secretary from 2000 to 2004 and was known for his diplomatic approach, making several visits to China after leaving office to improve relations.