born Jan. 8, 1942, Yokosuka, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan
Third-generation Japanese politician who became prime minister in 2001.
Both Koizumi's father and grandfather served in the Diet (parliament). He ran unsuccessfully for his father's seat after the latter's death in 1969 but was elected in 1971. He held ministerial posts in 198889, 199293, and 199698. After unsuccessful bids for the presidency of the Liberal-Democratic Party in 1995 and 1998, he won in April 2001 and was soon confirmed as prime minister. An unconventional advocate of reform, Koizumi appointed a cabinet that included a record five women. His economic policies included privatizing the country's postal savings system, reducing government spending, and ending the practice of supporting failing businesses.