" But Hiromu Nonaka, considered the shadow shogun of Obuchi's administration, said last fall that Mori "lacks quality as a politician.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia | Japan: The Replacement Leader

Takeshita's predecessor as a shadow shogun, Tanaka Kakuei, also had a short tenure as premier and resigned because of various scandals.

CNN: THE LAST SHADOW SHOGUN?

Even after he resigned as prime minister, Tanaka was head of the LDP's largest faction and was the country's yami shogun (shadow shogun).

ECONOMIST: Banyan