Date of birth: May 20, 1964

Party: DPJ

Electoral district: Lower House; Fukushima No. 3 (sixth term)

Genba was national policy minister under Kan and played a central role in drafting a new energy policy that gradually reduces Japan's dependence on nuclear power.

Considered a prospective leader, the young gun is an advocate of fiscal reform and knowledgeable about a wide array of other policies, including civil service reform.

After graduating from Sophia University, Genba attended Matsushita Institute of Government and Management.

The Fukushima native and grandson of mayors entered the Fukushima Prefectural Assembly in 1991, becoming its youngest member. Two years later he won a seat in the Lower House and joined now-defunct New Party Sakigake, switching to the DPJ in 1998.

Genba backs the use of the income compensation system for farmers to bolster agriculture and regional economies.