Former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda, who used his brief period in office to seek closer ties with Asian neighbours, particularly China, has died at the age of 90, according to the Nikkei business daily on Monday.
The Japanese politician, the first son of a prime minister to become one himself, died on Thursday from heart failure, the Nikkei reported.
Following news of his death, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed “deep sorrow” when speaking to reporters in Tokyo, praising him as a leader who “worked to articulate Japan’s position on various international issues and enhance its standing in the international community”.