Naoto Kan assumed the role of Prime Minister of Japan on 8 June 2010, following his formal appointment by Emperor Akihito. As the 94th individual to hold this office, his tenure lasted until September 2011, marking a period of relative stability in the Japanese leadership following a series of short-term premierships by his immediate predecessors.
Early Career and Legislative Entry
Born in Ube in 1946, Kan pursued studies at the Tokyo Institute of Technology after attending Yamaguchi Prefectural Ube High School and Tokyo Metropolitan Koyamadai Senior High School. He qualified as a patent attorney in 1971. His political entry followed unsuccessful campaigns in 1976, 1977, and 1979; he eventually secured a lower house seat in 1980 representing the Socialist Democratic Federation. He later aligned with the New Party Sakigake.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Ministerial Roles and Democratic Party Founding
In 1996, Kan served as Minister of Health and Welfare under Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto. During this time, he received public recognition for acknowledging state responsibility regarding HIV-tainted blood supplies. Shortly thereafter, he co-founded the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) with Yukio Hatoyama. His career involved several legislative terms, including service in the House of Representatives from 2014 to 2017 and 2017 to 2021.
Finance Ministry and Prime Ministership
Kan served as Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister beginning in January 2010. By June of that year, he ascended to the premiership. His administration faced electoral challenges, including the loss of the DPJ majority in the House of Councillors following proposals to adjust the sales tax. Despite internal party pressure from figures like Ichirō Ozawa, Kan maintained his leadership until his resignation announcement on 26 August 2011.
Post-Political Activity
Following his term as Prime Minister, Kan remained active in international and civic discourse. In 2012, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed him to a high-level panel concerning the post-2015 development agenda. Kan eventually retired from active politics in November 2023. In February 2024, he released a memoir titled 'Fifty Years of Citizen Politics', documenting his career in public life.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Ube, Japan
- Education: Tokyo Institute of Technology
- Prime Minister of Japan: 2010-2011
- Minister of Finance: 2010
- Minister of Health and Welfare: 1996
- Religion: Buddhism
- Political retirement: November 2023
Questions readers ask
What was Naoto Kan's professional background before politics?
He was a trained patent attorney and theoretical physicist, and he also held a teaching position at Hosei University.
When did Naoto Kan leave office?
He announced his resignation as Prime Minister on 26 August 2011 and was succeeded by Yoshihiko Noda.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Hosei University
- Educated at Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo Metropolitan Koyamadai Senior High School and Yamaguchi Prefectural Ube High School
- Worked as politician, university teacher and theoretical physicist
