Japan's former economy minister wins seat

With a campaign slogan of Reform even if bashed and bashed, Takenaka emphasized his intention to pursue structural reform, including shaking up Japan's banking system and dealing with non-performing loans. A former economics professor, Takenaka was appointed by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to be his economic adviser, but resigned after two years to run for elections himself.

Takenaka made clear that he was frustrated by the acceptance of the status quo among policy-makers and bureaucrats while remaining a key player in the Koizumi government. Takenaka will represent the ruling Liberal Democratic Party from Kanagawa prefecture, just outside Tokyo.