Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, known for his brief tenure in office and subsequent efforts to improve relations with China, passed away last Thursday at the age of 90, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party announced Monday. No further details regarding the cause of death were provided.

Born in 1936 in Gunma Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, Fukuda was part of a prominent political family. His father, Takeo Fukuda, also served as prime minister and played a key role in fostering diplomatic ties between Japan and China. After graduating from Waseda University, Yasuo Fukuda worked for over 17 years at a Japanese oil company before entering politics. He initially served as his father’s private secretary shortly before Takeo Fukuda became prime minister in 1976.

Yasuo Fukuda won election to the Japanese parliament in 1990, taking over his father’s former seat. He rose through the ranks, gaining recognition as a diplomacy-focused legislator. In 2000, Fukuda became chief Cabinet secretary under then-Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, where he earned the nickname “secretary of explanations” for his role as government spokesperson during a turbulent period marked by frequent gaffes.

Fukuda’s tenure as prime minister lasted from 2007 to 2008. His administration struggled to maintain stability in a divided parliament, with his Liberal Democratic Party holding a majority in only one of the two chambers. Despite the brevity of his leadership, Fukuda prioritized strengthening ties with China, building a cooperative relationship with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Following his retirement from active politics in 2012, Fukuda remained engaged in diplomatic efforts, particularly aimed at easing tensions between Japan and China amid disputes over uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. In 2014, he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in an attempt to foster dialogue and improve bilateral relations. This visit helped set the stage for then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s subsequent trip to China.

Fukuda continued to head political delegations to China and other Asian nations and participated actively in international conferences. Reflecting on the importance of dialogue, he remarked in a 2022 interview that a lack of communication raises the risk of misunderstandings that could otherwise be avoided.

Known for his reserved demeanor and dry wit, Fukuda also left a cultural mark. When announcing his resignation in September 2008, he responded to a reporter’s comment by saying, “I can look at myself objectively. I’m not like you.” This phrase later became a notable buzzword in Japan that year, although Fukuda declined to accept the related award.

Yasuo Fukuda’s legacy is tied both to his short-lived prime ministership and to his persistent efforts to nurture diplomatic bridges in a region marked by historical complexities.