Democratic Party of Japan President and Prime Minister Naoto Kan, a civil-activist-turned-politician, is known for his sharp remarks in parliamentary debates.
He only assumed the party presidency in early June, following the sudden resignation of his predecessor, Yukio Hatoyama.
In the Hatoyama Cabinet, he served as finance minister among other ministerial posts. His preference for fiscal belt-tightening and raising the consumption tax led to charges that he succumbed to ministry bureaucrats, despite his party's vow to put politicians in charge.