Former LDP Vice President Taku Yamasaki, one of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's few political allies, secured a comeback to the House of Representatives in a by-election Sunday.
Yamasaki, 68, declared victory over Masanori Hirata, a 37-year-old political newcomer fielded by the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan, and four other contenders in the Fukuoka No. 2 district.
A candidate backed by Koizumi's Liberal Democratic Party also won in another Lower House by-election in the Miyagi No. 2 district.