Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who sought to strengthen Japan’s relations with its Asian neighbors, particularly China, has died at the age of 90, according to a report by Japan’s Nikkei business daily on October 26, 2026.

Fukuda died of heart failure on Thursday, October 22, Nikkei reported. He was the first son of a former Japanese prime minister to become prime minister himself, following in the footsteps of his father, Takeo Fukuda, who served as prime minister from 1976 to 1978.

Fukuda became Japan’s prime minister in September 2007 after Shinzo Abe resigned unexpectedly. However, his tenure lasted less than a year. He stepped down in September 2008 amid political gridlock and difficulties advancing legislation in a divided parliament.

Born into a political family, Fukuda graduated in economics from Waseda University in Tokyo. Before entering politics, he spent nearly two decades working for an oil company, including a two-year assignment in the United States. In 1976, he left the corporate world to become a political secretary to his father after Takeo Fukuda became prime minister.

Fukuda was elected to Japan’s powerful lower house of parliament in 1990. He later served as chief cabinet secretary from 2000 to 2004, becoming one of the country’s most prominent government officials. He resigned from the post in 2004 amid a controversy involving unpaid pension contributions.

Known for his sometimes confrontational manner, Fukuda also faced criticism over controversial remarks about women made in 2003.

Despite his relatively short premiership, Fukuda was regarded as a diplomatic moderate who favored engagement with neighboring countries. After leaving office, he made several visits to China in an effort to improve relations between the two countries, which had often been strained by historical disputes and regional tensions.

Fukuda’s resignation in 2008 made him the second of six consecutive Japanese prime ministers to leave office after roughly a year, reflecting a period of political instability in the country.

He is survived by his son, Tatsuo Fukuda, who is also a lawmaker and has been considered a potential future prime minister.