My guess is that Noda feels that he is capable of being his own finance minister, and Azumi will simply act as his agent.

FORBES: Of Sumo and Japanese Government Finances

"Realtors care about only one thing--making the sale, " added Kenneth Thomas, a lecturer on finance at Wharton, adding that if the buyer needs a subprime loan for the deal to go through, the agent is likely to keep silent about the hazards.

FORBES: Knowledge @Wharton