Akira Imaizumi KYODO PHOTO

Imaizumi, 72, was recommended for the post by the Democratic Party of Japan to replace Giichi Tsunoda, who presented his resignation after facing allegations he failed to declare ¥25 million in political donations he received during election campaigning in 2001.

Tsunoda's resignation was also approved at the plenary session of the Upper House.

Imaizumi is scheduled to serve as upper chamber vice head through July as he is to retire as a politician by not running in an Upper House election that month.

The Japan Times Weekly: Feb. 3, 2007
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