Six years have passed since former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto died. "61 People Write: Statesman Ryutaro Hashimoto," edited by former secretaries and reporters assigned to him, has been published for general sale by Bungeishunju Planning Publishing (1,995 yen including tax). Former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone contributed a tribute to Hashimoto, who as chair of the LDP Administrative and Fiscal Research Council supported the Second Provisional Commission on Administrative Reform (Doko Commission). Former Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Teijiro Furukawa and former special adviser Yukio Okamoto wrote, with insider stories, on the Japan–U.S. agreement to relocate the Futenma air station, as did former Okinawa Governor Masahide Ota. There are many contributions that will serve as first-class sources for Japan's contemporary political history, and the book is also notable for pieces by people as varied as alpinist Ken Noguchi and former IMF Managing Director Michel Camdessus.
Hashimoto became Minister of Health and Welfare while still young and made a dazzling debut in a sharp debate with Taro Takemi, then president of the Japan Medical Association. As prime minister he undertook five major reforms — including ministry reorganization, the financial Big Bang, and Eurasian diplomacy — and left a large mark on Japanese political history. At a time when "indecisive prime ministers" continue and distrust of politics deepens, looking again at the record of a "decisive prime minister" may have meaning. For purchase inquiries, contact Tatsuji Osada, executive director of the Asia Association (tel. 03-3211-1616), one of the editorial stewards. The Asia Association is on the fourth floor of Palaceside Building.