Table: Japan's Rock 'n' Roll Leader

BORN

1942, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, heir to an LDP dynastyEDUCATION

Economics major at prestigious Keio University, graduate work at the University of LondonCAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Started as Diet member in 1972. Held various Cabinet posts. Tried three times to win top spot in LDPFAMILY

Divorced in 1982, two childrenHOBBIES

Japanese heavy metal music, Kabuki theatre operaCHARACTER TRAITS

Outspoken and ambitious; passionate about issues such as privatizing the postal savings system; manages to be both a maverick and a member of the mainstream LDP

Data: BusinessWeek