When the ruling party lost heavily in last year's elections to the House of Councilors, Chief Cabinet Secretary Nonaka Hiromu naturally turned to Takeshita.

CNN: THE LAST SHADOW SHOGUN?

Instead, said the chief cabinet secretary, Hiromu Nonaka, the autumn budget would concentrate on creating new jobs.

ECONOMIST: Japan

" 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