Date of birth: Nov. 3, 1949

Party: DPJ

Electoral district: Lower House; Osaka No. 7 (sixth term)

Fujimura has known Noda since they entered the Lower House together in 1993 as members of Japan New Party.

As Noda's closest aide, Fujimura led Noda's group and his campaign for the DPJ presidential election. He was also DPJ deputy secretary general.

A relative unknown, some are unsure Fujimura has the coordinating skills needed to thrive as top government spokesman.

Before entering national politics, Fujimura worked at the Scholarship Foundation for Traffic Accident Orphans. He has since focused on education issues and advocates extending mandatory schooling to 12 years.

The Hiroshima University engineering graduate is also active in supporting descendants of Japanese immigrants to Brazil and has visited the country more than 30 times.

*Appointed to temprarily take over duties of Yoshio Hachiro (Economy, Trade and Industry Minister) after his resignation September 10, 2011.