LEFT: YOU SUNG-HO / REUTERS; RIGHT: ISSEI KATO / REUTERS

Who will lead Japan next?
	A look at the main contenders

Posted Monday, June 26, 2006; 20:00 HKT
FUKUDA
Koizumi's former Chief Cabinet Secretary has denounced his old boss's visits to Yasukuni. Perceived in the LDP as an alternative to Koizumi's inflammatory style, Fukuda has a sophisticated sense of international diplomacy, but might be a cautious reformer.

ABE
The young, hawkish Abe became a regular face on Japanese TV as the chief negotiator with North Korea over the cases of abducted Japanese. Until recently, he was unfailingly supportive of Koizumi's visits to Yasukuni Shrine. Widely seen as Koizumi's favorite successor.

	The Japan That Says No [Jun. 19, 2006] A new bestseller expresses Japan's popular dissatisfaction with globalization Viewpoint: Get This Party Started [Apr. 17, 2006] Japan's political opposition needs a fresh start so voters can have a real choice Asian Newsmaker: Junichiro Koizumi [Dec. 18, 2005] Mixing statecraft and stagecraft, Junichiro Koizumi has Japan feeling good again--but he's straining regional relations Brothers in Arms [Nov. 14, 2005] Japan is a stalwart ally in U.S. efforts to maintain its interests in Asia, but it still isn't doing quite enough to satisfy Washington Koizumi's Landslide Victory [Sep. 12, 2005] Japan's Prime Minister wins an election widely seen as a referendum on his ambitious reform agenda. With obstacles removed, can he follow through? More Related Items | Search all issues of TIME Magazine