Kaoru Yosano, the incumbent Chief Cabinet Secretary, was also considered a likely candidate, but did not stand.
He was the Chief Cabinet Secretary in the Kan government.
In January 2011, he became Chief Cabinet Secretary.
He served there for eight years before becoming Chief Cabinet Secretary in 1987.
From 1916-1918, he served as Chief Cabinet Secretary.
The main function of the Chief Cabinet Secretary is to coordinate the policies of ministries and agencies in the executive branch.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary expressed concern that military tensions would escalate.
The same message was announced as a speech from the Chief Cabinet Secretary.
He was the Chief Cabinet Secretary in the Yukio Hatoyama administration.
Koichi Kato, the Chief Cabinet Secretary, announced the step at a news conference.