Democratic Party of Japan kingpin Ichiro Ozawa has been at the center of politics for decades and earned a not-so-pleasant reputation as a backroom fixer who skillfully maneuvers politics in turbulent times.
Ozawa was DPJ president before stepping down in spring 2009 over a funds scandal. He was replaced by Hatoyama, who went on to become prime minister last September.
He then bowed out in early June as DPJ secretary general, again over a funds scandal. At the same time, Hatoyama also exited amid a money scandal, as well as over the Futenma base dispute. Naoto Kan replaced him.