Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Yoshimi Watanabe is an exception to the rule when it comes to discussing his political roots.

While many "nisei giin," or second-generation Diet politicians, dislike being compared with their forebears and thus eschew the topic entirely, Watanabe proudly proclaims that his father, Michio, inspired his own political career.

"He was always asking himself 'What mission must politicians pursue?' I learned so much from him," said the 51-year-old lawmaker, who inherited his deep voice from his late father.