Posted on 09/15/2020 11:36:33 PM PDT by Choppo
Japanese lawmakers have elected Suga Yoshihide as the next Prime Minister. Here's a look at the life of the country's new leader.
Nearly every day for the past eight years, Suga Yoshihide has taken questions from reporters.
Especially in times when the government faced tough criticism -- from allegations of corruption to unpopular policy decisions -- the top spokesperson seemed unflappable.
Then, he took this step into the glare of the public eye. Suga unveiled Japan's new era name: Reiwa. It's an uncommon honor, which made millions look at the Prime Minister's trusted aide and adviser in a new light.
It earned him the nickname "uncle Reiwa" -- and ignited political speculation about the man behind the podium.
Suga grew up in Akita Prefecture. He grew up outside of the national political realm -- on his parents' strawberry farm.
He was nearly 40 when he first ran for office -- netting a seat on Yokohoma City Council.
Less than a decade later, he used strong street-level campaigning to win a seat in the Lower House.
Known for his loyalty, he never forgot his roots. As a cabinet minister, he promoted policies to help rural communities hit hard by Japan's rapid demographic shift.
Throughout his career, Suga has lived by a motto: "Where there's a will, there's a way." And five years after Abe's first resignation, he led a call to bring his political ally back to power.
Now, finally in the spotlight himself, Suga is letting the world get to know him.
He likes to travel, fish, golf and keep fit. The fruit farmer's son inherited a sweet tooth -- and a love for the land where he grew up.
While Suga has shown he has the will to take on the challenges facing Japan, people across the country are waiting to see how he'll lead the way.
Reiwa: ‘fortunate’ or ‘auspicious’, and ‘peace’ or ‘harmony’
I’m just waiting for Japan to make anime real.
I don’t know much about Japanese politics. Hopefully, however, they don’t have a major party that believes that Japan is awful, native Japanese are awful, and Japan should be dismantled from top to bottom.
I wouldn’t wish that political situation on any country.
His American nickname will be “Sugar”. And I think we will like him.
Later
Does anyone here know the correct pronunciation of Suga Yoshihide?
Soo-gah Yo-shee-hee-day
Double vowels above get their English “long” pronunciation (“soo”, like the American girl’s name Sue, “hee” like the English word he or we).
The “day” above would be pronounced more like “deh” by us Americans, but the Japanese sound is half-way between our “day” and “deh”, so flip a coin!!
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