June 2010 Democratic Party (Japan, 1998) leadership election

"2010 Democratic Party (Japan) leadership election" redirects here. For the September election between Ichirō Ozawa and Naoto Kan, see Democratic Party of Japan § 2009–2012 government.

The 14th Democratic Party of Japan leadership election was held on 4 June 2010 after the incumbent party President Yukio Hatoyama resigned after failing to fulfil a promise to the voters regarding the United States Forces Japan's bases in Okinawa Prefecture; his resignation was reportedly an attempt to improve the DPJ's chances in the upcoming House of Councillors election in July 2010. Also incumbent party Secretary-General Ichirō Ozawa resigned on 4 June 2010 due to many recent scandals. Finance Minister Naoto Kan was widely expected to succeed Hatoyama, and a new government was expected to be formed on 7 June 2010.^[1] On 3 June 2010 Shinji Tarutoko declared his candidacy to run against Naoto Kan for the leadership.^[2] Apart from these two, Transport Minister Seiji Maehara and Foreign Affairs Minister Katsuya Okada were also seen as contenders, but both backed Kan.^[3][4] Kan defeated Tarutoko by a vote of 291–129 with 2 invalid ballots was elected president of DPJ.^[5]

2010 Democratic Party (Japan, 1998) leadership election

← 2009 4 June 2010 2010 →

Candidate Naoto Kan Shinji Tarutoko First round 291 129

Previous President Yukio Hatoyama President Naoto Kan

Kan was seen as coming from the left of the DPJ and emphasized his independence from Ozawa; he succeeded in getting the backing of right-wingers Maehara, Okada and Yoshito Sengoku. He was sworn in as PM on the same day. A government reshuffle was expected over the weekend.^[6]

Presidential election results

Candidates	Votes
Naoto Kan 当	291
Shinji Tarutoko	129
Grand total	420

• 1 invalid vote

References

1. "Japan's ruling Democrats scramble to pick new PM - Yahoo! News". news.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 7 June 2010. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
2. "Profile: Naoto Kan". BBC News. 26 August 2011.
3. "2010/06/03 04:29 - Transport Minister Maehara Top Pick for Next PM: Nikkei Poll". e.nikkei.com. Archived from the original on 20 July 2011. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
4. "Finance Minister Naoto Kan seen as Japan front-runner". BBC News. 3 June 2010.
5. "Japan Democrats pick heavyweight Kan as next PM". Reuters. 4 June 2010 – via www.reuters.com.
6. "Naoto Kan new Japanese prime minister | the Australian". www.theaustralian.com.au. Archived from the original on 2 April 2011. Retrieved 13 January 2022.