Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara, 68, topped the list of a national survey as the "ideal father," with respondents noting his leadership qualities, articulation and ability to get things done.
The organizers of the survey, an importer for Parker Pen, said the results ahead of Father's Day, June 17, reveal that men and women from many age groups are looking for a "strong father figure."
Actor Yuzo Kayama, 64, who until last year topped the survey list for three consecutive years, was second to Ishihara this year, with respondents citing his sense of being family-oriented and dependable.
Yomiuri Giants Manager Shigeo Nagashima, 65, was ranked third for his cheerfulness and strength in competition.
The survey also listed other well-known figures, among them actors Masatoshi Nakamura, 50, and Ken Takakura, 70. Nakamura was ranked fourth, while Takakura was fifth.
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, 59, who placed eighth, was the first prime minister to rank in the survey's top 10 since it started four years ago.
The survey, conducted by placing advertisements in newspapers and magazines, received postcard responses from 2,729 people, male and female, aged from teenagers to those in their 60s and older.