Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (2nd L), who is also leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), smiles with LDP policy chief Tomomi Inada (R), Secretary-General Sadakazu Tanigaki (2nd R) and Vice-President Masahiko Komura as they put a rosette on the name of a candidate who is expected to win the upper house election, at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, Japan July 10, 2016. REUTERS/Toru Hanai TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (2nd L), who is also leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), smiles with LDP policy chief Tomomi Inada (R), Secretary-General Sadakazu Tanigaki (2nd R) and Vice-President Masahiko Komura as they put a rosette on the name of a candidate who is expected to win the upper house election, at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, Japan July 10, 2016. REUTERS/Toru Hanai 

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General Sadakazu Tanigaki smiles during an upper house election night event at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, Japan July 10, 2016. REUTERS/Toru Hanai 

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General Sadakazu Tanigaki smiles during an upper house election night event at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, Japan July 10, 2016. REUTERS/Toru Hanai 

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General Sadakazu Tanigaki (2nd L) gestures next to Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (2nd R) as they pose during an election night event at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo December 14, 2014. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN - Tags: ELECTIONS POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (2nd R) poses with Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General, Sadakazu Tanigaki (2nd L) during an election night event at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, December 14, 2014. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN - Tags: ELECTIONS POLITICS) 

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General, Sadakazu Tanigaki (L), shakes hands with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during an election night event at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, December 14, 2014. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: ELECTIONS POLITICS) 

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General, Sadakazu Tanigaki, shades his eyes from a bright light at LDP headquarters in Tokyo, December 14, 2014. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's party looks set for a huge win in the election on Sunday. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: ELECTIONS POLITICS) 

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General, Sadakazu Tanigaki (L), places a rosette next to his name as he stands on stage with LDP Election Strategy Committee Chairman, Toshimitsu Motegi, at LDP headquarters in Tokyo, December 14, 2014. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's party looks set for a huge win in the election on Sunday. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN - Tags: ELECTIONS POLITICS) 

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General, Sadakazu Tanigaki (L), reacts as he places a rosette next to his name as he stands on stage with LDP Election Strategy Committee Chairman, Toshimitsu Motegi, at LDP headquarters in Tokyo, December 14, 2014. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's party looks set for a huge win in the election on Sunday. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: ELECTIONS POLITICS) 

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party new Secretary-General Sadakazu Tanigaki (2nd R) leaves Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's official residence in Tokyo September 3, 2014. Abe picked two veteran lawmakers with friendly ties to China for top party posts on Wednesday in an apparent signal of hope for a thaw in chilly ties with Beijing and a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In a bid for party unity, the hawkish Abe tapped outgoing Justice Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki, his predecessor as LDP leader, for the key party post of secretary-general, the LDP's de facto election campaign chief. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

New Secretary-General of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party Sadakazu Tanigaki arrives at Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's official residence in Tokyo September 3, 2014. Abe picked two veteran lawmakers with friendly ties to China for top party posts on Wednesday in an apparent signal of hope for a thaw in chilly ties with Beijing and a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In a bid for party unity, the hawkish Abe tapped outgoing Justice Minister Tanigaki, his predecessor as LDP leader, for the key party post of secretary-general, the LDP's de facto election campaign chief. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

New Secretary-General of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party Sadakazu Tanigaki arrives at Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's official residence in Tokyo September 3, 2014. Abe picked two veteran lawmakers with friendly ties to China for top party posts on Wednesday in an apparent signal of hope for a thaw in chilly ties with Beijing and a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In a bid for party unity, the hawkish Abe tapped outgoing Justice Minister Tanigaki, his predecessor as LDP leader, for the key party post of secretary-general, the LDP's de facto election campaign chief. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

New Secretary-General of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party Sadakazu Tanigaki arrives at Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's official residence in Tokyo September 3, 2014. Abe picked two veteran lawmakers with friendly ties to China for top party posts on Wednesday in an apparent signal of hope for a thaw in chilly ties with Beijing and a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In a bid for party unity, the hawkish Abe tapped outgoing Justice Minister Tanigaki, his predecessor as LDP leader, for the key party post of secretary-general, the LDP's de facto election campaign chief. REUTERS/Yuya Shino (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (L) and his cabinet members, Finance Minister Taro Aso (2nd L), Justice Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki (2nd R) and Economics Minister Akira Amari, attend an upper house budget committee session at the parliament in Tokyo February 5, 2014. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (C) and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Toshimitsu Motegi (L) stand up with other ministers at the lower house parliamentary session in Tokyo August 7, 2013. The Japanese government will get directly involved in containing rising levels of radioactive water at the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant instead of relying solely on the operator, Abe said on Wednesday, calling it an "urgent issue". Also pictured are state minister in charge of North Korea's abductions of Japanese nationals Keiji Furuya (2nd L), Justice Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki (3rd L), Finance Minister Taro Aso (2nd R) and Economics Minister Akira Amari. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN - Tags: DISASTER POLITICS ENVIRONMENT ENERGY) 

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (L) rises his hand next to his cabinet menbers, (2nd L-R) Finance Minister Taro Aso, Justice Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki and Economics Minister Akira Amari during an upper house budget committee session at the parliament in Tokyo February 19, 2013. Abe said on Tuesday that it is not appropriate for him to comment on currency moves, when asked how far he thought the yen would fall. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (bottom) rises his hand in front of his cabinet members during an upper house budget committee session at the parliament in Tokyo February 18, 2013. Others in the picture are (2nd from bottom to top) Finance Minister Taro Aso, Justice Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki, Economics Minister Akira Amari, Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Minister Akihiro Ota and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. Abe said on Monday that the BOJ's monetary easing is aimed at beating deflation, not at manipulating the forex market and weakening the yen, and said correcting excessive yen rises would be an appropriate policy direction. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS) 

New Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (front R) leaves a photo session with Finance Minister Taro Aso (3rd L), Justice Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki (2nd L), Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Minister Akihiro Ota (L) and other ministers after their first cabinet meeting at Abe's official residence in Tokyo December 26, 2012. Abe vowed on Wednesday to battle deflation and a strong yen, and bolster ties with the United States as he kicked off a second administration committed to reviving the economy while coping with a rising China. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

Japan's new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (front 2nd R) prepare to leave a photo session with other ministers after their first cabinet meeting at Abe's official residence in Tokyo December 26, 2012. Seen with him here are Finance Minister Taro Aso (R), Justice Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki (2nd L), and Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Akihiro Ota. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

Japan's newly-appointed Justice Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki arrives at Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's official residence in Tokyo December 26, 2012. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) lawmaker and former prime minister Shinzo Abe (C) raises his hands with presidential election candidate Shigeru Ishiba (R) and ex-party president Sadakazu Tanigaki after Abe was chosen as the party president, during the party presidential election at the party headquarters in Tokyo September 26, 2012. Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party picked Abe, 58, as its new leader in a run-off vote on Wednesday. Abe could become Japan's next prime minister as opinion polls suggest the LDP will win most seats in an election for parliament's lower house expected in the coming months, putting it in a pivotal position to form the next government of the world's third-largest economy. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) 

Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) lawmaker and former prime minister Shinzo Abe raises his hands with presidential election candidate Shigeru Ishiba and ex-party president Sadakazu Tanigaki (not pictured) after Abe was chosen as the party president during the party presidential election, at the party headquarters in Tokyo September 26, 2012. Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party picked Abe, 58, as its new leader in a run-off vote on Wednesday. Abe could become Japan's next prime minister as opinion polls suggest the LDP will win most seats in an election for parliament's lower house expected in the coming months, putting it in a pivotal position to form the next government of the world's third-largest economy. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) 

Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) lawmaker and former prime minister Shinzo Abe (C) raises his hands with presidential election candidate Shigeru Ishiba (R) and ex-party president Sadakazu Tanigaki after Abe was chosen as the party president during the party presidential election, at the party headquarters in Tokyo September 26, 2012. Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party picked Abe, 58, as its new leader in a run-off vote on Wednesday. Abe could become Japan's next prime minister as opinion polls suggest the LDP will win most seats in an election for parliament's lower house expected in the coming months, putting it in a pivotal position to form the next government of the world's third-largest economy. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) 

Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) Secretary General and candidate for the party's leadership Nobuteru Ishihara enters a room for a joint news conference about the leadership race at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo September 14, 2012. Five lawmakers of the LDP, including Ishihara and former prime minister Shinzo Abe, will compete in the LDP presidential race slated for Sept. 26, after LDP leader Sadakazu Tanigaki said on Monday he would not seek re-election. The characters on the wall read, "Japan". REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) 

Candidates for Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) leadership (L-R) Yoshimasa Hayashi, Nobuteru Ishihara, Nobutaka Machimura, Shigeru Ishiba and Shinzo Abe put their hands together during a photo session prior to their joint news conference for the leadership race at the LDP's headquarters in Tokyo September 14, 2012. Five lawmakers of the LDP will compete in the LDP presidential race slated for Sept. 26, after LDP leader Sadakazu Tanigaki said on Monday he would not seek re-election. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) 

Candidates for Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) leadership (L-R) Yoshimasa Hayashi, Nobuteru Ishihara, Nobutaka Machimura, Shigeru Ishiba and Shinzo Abe stretch out their hands during a photo session prior to their joint news conference for the leadership race at the LDP's headquarters in Tokyo September 14, 2012. Five lawmakers of the LDP will compete in the LDP presidential race slated for Sept. 26, after LDP leader Sadakazu Tanigaki said on Monday he would not seek re-election. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) lawmaker and former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba walks past former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (L) during their joint speech for LDP's leadership contest at its headquarters in Tokyo September 14, 2012. Five lawmakers of the LDP, including Ishiba, Abe and Secretary General Nobuteru Ishihara will compete in the LDP presidential race slated for Sept. 26, after LDP leader Sadakazu Tanigaki said on Monday he would not seek re-election. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) 

Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) Secretary General Nobuteru Ishihara (R) and former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba attend a joint speech for LDP's leadership contest at its headquarters in Tokyo September 14, 2012. Five lawmakers of the LDP, including Ishihara, Ishiba and former prime minister Shinzo Abe, will compete in the LDP presidential race slated for Sept. 26, after LDP leader Sadakazu Tanigaki said on Monday he would not seek re-election. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) 

Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmaker and former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks at a joint speech for LDP's leadership contest at its headquarters in Tokyo September 14, 2012. Five lawmakers of the LDP, including Secretary General Nobuteru Ishihara and former prime minister Shinzo Abe, will compete in the LDP presidential race slated for Sept. 26, after LDP leader Sadakazu Tanigaki said on Monday he would not seek re-election. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) 

Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmaker and former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks at a joint speech for LDP's leadership contest at its headquarters in Tokyo September 14, 2012. Five lawmakers of the LDP, including Secretary General Nobuteru Ishihara and Abe, will compete in the LDP presidential race slated for Sept. 26, after LDP leader Sadakazu Tanigaki said on Monday he would not seek re-election. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) 

Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) Secretary General Nobuteru Ishihara speaks at a joint speech for LDP's leadership contest at its headquarters in Tokyo September 14, 2012. Five lawmakers of the LDP, including Ishihara and former prime minister Shinzo Abe, will compete in the LDP presidential race slated for Sept. 26, after LDP leader Sadakazu Tanigaki said on Monday he would not seek re-election. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) 

Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) Secretary General Nobuteru Ishihara (C) walks past former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (L) and former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba during their joint speech for LDP's leadership contest at its headquarters in Tokyo September 14, 2012. Five lawmakers of the LDP, including Ishihara, Ishiba and Abe, will compete in the LDP presidential race slated for Sept. 26, after LDP leader Sadakazu Tanigaki said on Monday he would not seek re-election. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) 

Japan's main opposition Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) Secretary General Nobuteru Ishihara speaks at a joint speech for LDP's leadership contest at its headquarters in Tokyo September 14, 2012. Five lawmakers of the LDP, including Ishihara and former prime minister Shinzo Abe, will compete in the LDP presidential race slated for Sept. 26, after LDP leader Sadakazu Tanigaki said on Monday he would not seek re-election. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan speaks during a debate with the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party leader Sadakazu Tanigaki (not in the picture) at the parliament in Tokyo June 1, 2011. Rebels in Kan's party on Wednesday cranked up pressure on the unpopular leader as he struggled with a nuclear crisis, threatening to back an opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion if he refused to step down. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan drinks water during a debate with the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party leader Sadakazu Tanigaki (not in the picture) at the parliament in Tokyo June 1, 2011. Rebels in Kan's party on Wednesday cranked up pressure on the unpopular leader as he struggled with a nuclear crisis, threatening to back an opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion if he refused to step down. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan (R) debates with the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party leader Sadakazu Tanigaki at the parliament in Tokyo June 1, 2011. Rebels in Kan's party on Wednesday cranked up pressure on the unpopular leader as he struggled with a nuclear crisis, threatening to back an opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion if he refused to step down. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS) 

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan is seen over an indicator lamp on a photographer's flash during a debate against the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party leader Sadakazu Tanigaki (not in the picture) at the parliament in Tokyo June 1, 2011. Rebels in Kan's party on Wednesday cranked up pressure on the unpopular leader as he struggled with a nuclear crisis, threatening to back an opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion if he refused to step down. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Japan's Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama (L) answers a question to main opposition Liberal Democratic Party leader Sadakazu Tanigaki at a parliamentary debate session in Tokyo April 21, 2010. Embattled Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said on Wednesday he would stick to an end of May deadline to resolve a row over a U.S. airbase ahead of an election and vowed to stake his job on achieving his policies. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS MILITARY) 

Japan's Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama rises his hand to answer a question to main opposition Liberal Democratic Party leader Sadakazu Tanigaki at a parliamentary debate session in Tokyo April 21, 2010. Embattled Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said on Wednesday he would stick to an end of May deadline to resolve a row over a U.S. airbase ahead of an election and vowed to stake his job on achieving his policies. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS MILITARY) 

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmaker Sadakazu Tanigaki (2nd R) shakes hands with former prime minister Taro Aso (2nd L) and LDP presidential election candidates Taro Kono (R) and Yasutoshi Nishimura after Tanigaki was chosen as the party president during the LDP parliamentarian meeting at the party headquarters in Tokyo September 28, 2009. Japan's defeated Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Monday picked Tanigaki, a former finance minister as its new leader, handing him the challenge of rebuilding a battered party that had ruled for most of the past 54 years. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN POLITICS) 

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmaker Sadakazu Tanigaki (R) shakes hands with former prime minister Taro Aso after Tanigaki was chosen as the party president during the LDP parliamentarian meeting at the party headquarters in Tokyo September 28, 2009. Japan's defeated Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Monday picked Tanigaki, a former finance minister as its new leader, handing him the challenge of rebuilding a battered party that had ruled for most of the past 54 years. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN POLITICS IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmaker Sadakazu Tanigaki (top 6th L) raises his hands with his parliamentarians as he shouts "banzai" (cheers) after he was elected head of the LDP at the party headquarters in Tokyo September 28, 2009. Japan's defeated Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Monday picked Tanigaki, a former finance minister as its new leader, handing him the challenge of rebuilding a battered party that had ruled for most of the past 54 years. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN POLITICS) 

Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Sadakazu Tanigaki gestures at other parliamentarians after he was chosen as the party president during the LDP parliamentarian meeting at the party headquarters in Tokyo September 28, 2009. Japan's defeated Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Monday picked Tanigaki, a former finance minister as its new leader, handing him the challenge of rebuilding a battered party that had ruled for most of the past 54 years. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN POLITICS) 

Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Sadakazu Tanigaki bows to parliamentarians after he was chosen as the party president during the LDP parliamentarian meeting at the party headquarters in Tokyo September 28, 2009. Japan's defeated Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Monday picked Tanigaki, a former finance minister as its new leader, handing him the challenge of rebuilding a battered party that had ruled for most of the past 54 years. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN POLITICS) 

Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Sadakazu Tanigaki bows to parliamentarians after he was chosen as the party president during the LDP parliamentarian meeting at the party headquarters in Tokyo September 28, 2009. Japan's defeated Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Monday picked Tanigaki, a former finance minister as its new leader, handing him the challenge of rebuilding a battered party that had ruled for most of the past 54 years. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN POLITICS) 

Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Sadakazu Tanigaki (C) bows to parliamentarians after he was chosen as the party president during the LDP parliamentarian meeting at the party headquarters in Tokyo September 28, 2009. Japan's defeated Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Monday picked Tanigaki, a former finance minister as its new leader, handing him the challenge of rebuilding a battered party that had ruled for most of the past 54 years. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN POLITICS IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Newly appointed Japan's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki speaks during a news conference at the premier's official residence in Tokyo August 1, 2008. Struggling Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda tapped a popular rival for a top party post and was tipped to axe his finance and economics ministers in a shake-up on Friday to boost his flagging support among voters. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN) 

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party's policy chief Sadakazu Tanigaki speaks during an interview with Reuters at the party headquarters in Tokyo January 17, 2008. Japan must name a new governor of the Bank of Japan before the term of Toshihiko Fukui ends in March to avoid a policy vacuum at a time when financial markets are fragile, a senior ruling party lawmaker said on Thursday. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN) 

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party's policy chief Sadakazu Tanigaki speaks during an interview with Reuters at the party headquarters in Tokyo January 17, 2008. Japan must name a new governor of the Bank of Japan before the term of Toshihiko Fukui ends in March to avoid a policy vacuum at a time when financial markets are fragile, a senior ruling party lawmaker said on Thursday. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN) 

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party's policy chief Sadakazu Tanigaki speaks during an interview with Reuters at the party headquarters in Tokyo January 17, 2008. Japan must name a new governor of the Bank of Japan before the term of Toshihiko Fukui ends in March to avoid a policy vacuum at a time when financial markets are fragile, a senior ruling party lawmaker said on Thursday. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN) 

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party's policy chief Sadakazu Tanigaki speaks during an interview with Reuters at the party headquarters in Tokyo January 17, 2008. Japan must name a new governor of the Bank of Japan before the term of Toshihiko Fukui ends in March to avoid a policy vacuum at a time when financial markets are fragile, a senior ruling party lawmaker said on Thursday. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN) 

Sadakazu Tanigaki, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) executive, arrives at newly elected Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's official residence in Tokyo September 25, 2007. Fukuda, a seasoned moderate lawmaker, was chosen Japan's prime minister on Tuesday, then tapped veteran ministers from his predecessor's cabinet to confront a resurgent opposition keen to force an election. REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao (JAPAN) 

Sadakazu Tanigaki, who leads a small faction within Japanese Prime Minister Shizo Abe's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), speaks at an interview with Reuters in Tokyo August 10, 2007. Japan's embattled prime minister must clearly spell out what needs to be done to restore public trust and overcome a devastating election defeat, Tanigaki said on Friday. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN) 

Sadakazu Tanigaki, who leads a small faction within Japanese Prime Minister Shizo Abe's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), speaks at an interview with Reuters in Tokyo August 10, 2007. Japan's embattled prime minister must clearly spell out what needs to be done to restore public trust and overcome a devastating election defeat, Tanigaki said on Friday. REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN) 

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe (2nd R) shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (2nd L) and other presidential election candidates Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki (R) and Foreign Minister Taro Aso, after Abe was chosen as the party president at the ruling Liberal Democratic Party parliamentarian meeting at the party headquaters in Tokyo September 20, 2006. Abe, an advocate of a bigger say for Japan in global affairs, was elected president of Japan's ruling party by an overwhelming majority on Wednesday, setting the stage for his election as prime minister next week. REUTERS/Issei Kato (JAPAN) 

Japan's Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki (L), Canada's Finance Minister Jim Flaherty (C) and World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz smile as they pose for a group photo after the G7 meeting in Singapore September 16, 2006. World financial leaders gather in Singapore from this week for IMF meetings that could produce some of the most significant reforms in the global lender's 61-year history, including the increasing recognition of emerging economic powers such as China.
REUTERS/Nicky Loh (SINGAPORE) 

(L-R) Japan's Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki, U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and U.S. Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke smile as they pose for a group photo after the G7 meeting in Singapore September 16, 2006. The financial leaders are also attending the IMF-World Bank meetings. REUTERS/Nicky Loh (SINGAPORE) 

Japan's Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki speaks during a news conference after a G7 meeting in Singapore September 16, 2006. The Group of Seven rich nations urged China on Saturday to let its currency rise faster to help ease perilous imbalances in trade and backed a rise in the yen to reflect Japan's strengthening economic recovery. REUTERS/Nicky Loh (SINGAPORE) 

Japan's Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki (C) and Bank of Japan Governor Toshihiko Fukui (R) attend a news conference after a G7 meeting in Singapore, September 16, 2006. Tanigaki and Fukui are also in Singapore for the IMF and World Bank meetings. REUTERS/Nicky Loh (SINGAPORE)