Arab News Japan

On Jan 14 it was announced that Japan’s prime minister in 1989, Toshiki Kaifu, passed away earlier this month at the age of 91, highlighting his contributions during his two years in office.

Kaifu instigated the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s first war-related overseas mission to the Arabian Gulf after being criticized for engaging in “checkbook diplomacy” after it gave $13 billion to coalition forces in the U.S.-led 1991 Arabian Gulf War rather than contributing personnel, according to Kyodo News.

Kaifu’s leadership not only resulted in a diplomatic turning point, but also a political one as he attempted to carry out political reforms including introducing single-seat constituencies that was passed in 1994, Kyodo News stated.

Kaifu’s legacy was not only defined by his position as prime minister, but he also served as deputy chief Cabinet secretary and education minister before his retirement in 2009.

Chief Cabinet Secretary MATSUNO Hirokazu offered his condolences in a news conference and reemphasized Kaifu’s role as prime minister while speaking on his passing.