The Obuchi Cabinet governed Japan from July 1998 to April 2000 under the leadership of Prime Minister Keizō Obuchi, who took office after winning the Liberal Democratic Party leadership.[1] Initially a continued LDP single-party government without legislative majority in parliament on its own after the 1998 election, it expanded to become a coalition involving first the Liberal Party and then the New Komeito over the course of its term. The government focused on economic revival, with former Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa recalled to the position of Finance Minister, and introduced policies designed to stimulate the economy through tax cuts and public spending increases.[2][3]
Obuchi reshuffled his cabinet twice, firstly in January 1999 after having negotiated a coalition agreement with the Liberal Party. This did not bring about any major change in personnel other than to bring Liberal Takeshi Noda into government as Home Minister, and reduce the number of ministers by doubling up portfolios.[4] The second reshuffle in October 1999 was a more substantial reconstruction, and took place following Obuchi's re-election as LDP president. At the same time, the coalition expanded again to include the New Komeito, beginning the long-running LDP-NKP partnership.[5] The coalition continued until April 2000 when Liberal Leader Ichirō Ozawa decided to withdraw from the arrangement, causing a section of the Liberal Party to break away and form the New Conservative Party, which remained in the government.[6]
The Obuchi cabinet ended in early April 2000 when Obuchi fell into a coma after suffering a serious, and ultimately fatal stroke. With the Prime Minister unable to discharge his duties, Chief Cabinet SecretaryMikio Aoki served as Acting Prime Minister for several days, until the cabinet determined to resign and Yoshirō Mori was chosen to replace Obuchi.[7][8][9]
Election of the prime minister
Obuchi's election demonstrated how the Diet was divided following the 1998 upper house election. In the House of Representatives, Obuchi was elected on the first ballot, however the first ballot in the House of Councillors did not produce a majority for any candidate. In the subsequent runoff vote, opposition leader Naoto Kan won with the support of all opposition parties allied against the LDP. This did not affect Obuchi's appointment as Prime Minister, as the constitution stipulates that in such a scenario, the will of the lower house prevails.[10]
30 July 1998
House of Representatives Absolute majority (251/500) required
October 23 - Hakuo Yanagisawa the Director of the National Land Agency was moved to become the Minister of State for Financial Reconstruction (which later became the Chairman of the Financial Reconstruction Commission) and was replaced with Yoshio Inoue, who doubled up as Hokkaido and Okinawa development minister.
February 25, 2000 - Chairman of the Financial Reconstruction Commission Michio Ochi resigned following controversial comments he made related to regulation and inspection of banks. He was replaced by Sadakazu Tanigaki.[13]
April 1, 2000 - Coalition negotiations between the Liberal Party and the LDP broke down leading to the party pulling out of the coalition. This caused a split, with some Liberals wishing to remain in government.[14]
April 2, 2000 - Prime Minister Obuchi suffered a debilitating stroke and fell into a coma. Chief Cabinet Secretary Mikio Aoki assumed his duties as Acting Prime Minister until April 5 when LDP Secretary-general Yoshiro Mori was appointed as replacement Prime Minister.[15] Obuchi died on May 14.[16]
^"Obuchi's top 20". BBC News. 30 July 1998. Archived from the original on 28 February 2003. Retrieved 9 December 2016.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^"Obituary: Keizo Obuchi". BBC News. 14 May 2000. Archived from the original on 16 May 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2016.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^"Trends in Japan". OBUCHI NAMES CABINET. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^"Obuchi names new minister". Irish Times. 15 January 1999. Archived from the original on 9 December 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2016.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^"Trends in Japan". OBUCHI LAUNCHES NEW CABINET. Archived from the original on 29 September 2014. Retrieved 9 December 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^Schmetzer, Uli (4 April 2000). "Reins Of Government Shift In Japan". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 9 December 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2016.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^"Japanese Minister Resigns". Associated Press. 8 March 1999. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2016.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
