The man chosen today by Japan’s ruling party to fill the shoes of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is Yoshihide Suga ①. The 71-year-old son of strawberry farmers grew up in Yuzawa, a small town in Akita Prefecture. Yuzawa ② is now a microcosm of the large issues — namely depopulation and aging — that are facing Japan. “Japan is the world’s fastest-aging nation, Akita the fastest-aging prefecture and Yuzawa one of the worst in Akita,” said a town employee, noting that close to 40 percent of all Yuzawa residents are over 65, compared to 28 percent for the entire nation.
While researching Suga’s humble roots, Reuters reporters got a chance to view a photo collection of Japan’s future leader, provided by a former classmate. Behold Suga as young child ③; a baseball player ④, around the age of 14; a fisherman ⑤, around the age of 15; and today ⑥, accepting a bouquet from his longtime boss, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
You’ve certainly come a long way, Mr. Suga.
Read more via the link bio about Suga’s hometown and the challenges ahead. 📸: REUTERS/ CHRIS GALLAGHER / POOL
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
＃YoshihideSuga #Japan #LDP #politics #日本 #総理大臣 #自民党 #菅義偉 #令和 #akitaprefecture #秋田県
Alo Japan.