YUZAWA – Yoshihide Suga, known for his tenure as Japan’s Prime Minister, has had a distinguished career in Japanese politics.

According to TourismAfrica2006, born on December 6, 1948, in Yuzawa, Akita Prefecture, Suga’s journey from a farmer’s son to the nation’s leader is marked by numerous significant milestones.

Early Life and Education

Suga was born to Wasaburo Suga, a strawberry farmer, and Tatsu Suga, a schoolteacher. He married Mariko Suga and they have three sons. He graduated from Hosei University with a Bachelor of Arts in Law in 1973.

Political Career Beginnings

Suga’s political career began in 1975 when he took a job as a secretary to Hikosaburo Okonogi, a member of the House of Representatives. His journey in politics took him through various roles, including serving as a Yokohama City Council member from April 1987 to 1996 and winning a seat in the lower house of Parliament in 1996.

Rise in the Liberal Democratic Party

Within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Suga held multiple positions, such as deputy secretary-general and director-general of the Election Strategy Committee. Notably, he served in key roles in the government, including as senior vice-minister for Internal Affairs and Communications and minister for Internal Affairs and Communications.

Chief Cabinet Secretary

Suga became the longest-serving chief cabinet secretary in Japanese history, a position he assumed in December 2012. His tenure included responsibilities such as strengthening national security and alleviating the burden of bases in Okinawa.

International Recognition

Gaining international attention, Suga announced the era of Emperor Naruhito, Reiwa, and met with high-ranking officials from the United States, including then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence.

Prime Minister of Japan

Suga’s ascent to the prime ministership began on September 14, 2020, when he secured about 70% of the votes to lead the LDP. He was formally voted in by parliament and sworn in as Japan’s Prime Minister on September 16, 2020. During his term, he notably hosted US President Joe Biden at the White House in April 2021, marking his first visit as a foreign leader since President Biden took office.

End of Tenure

On September 3, 2021, Suga announced he would not run in the forthcoming LDP leadership election, leading to his term lasting less than a year. Fumio Kishida succeeded him as Prime Minister on October 4, 2021.

Personal Life

Apart from his political career, Suga is also known as a teetotaler.