But taking on the most powerful bureaucrats in Tokyo is no job for mere mortals.

In this position Rudd was arguably Queensland's most powerful bureaucrat.

Tokyo's powerful bureaucrats compel their fellow citizens to save.

He was at one time dubbed "Norway's most powerful bureaucrat".

Inexperienced in the ways of the capital, he may prove an easy target for the powerful bureaucrats whom he has lambasted.

Matheson was a powerful bureaucrat who went about his job with the air of a high priest.

But over the long run, some powerful bureaucrats and executives warn, those voices could paralyze a country unaccustomed to dissent.

Japan's powerful bureaucrats, who originally helped guide the industry to preeminence, have been urging companies to pool money and technology, with limited success.

Moreover, any push for deregulation and trade concessions will run into Japan's powerful bureaucrats.

In the past, Thailand's powerful military and senior bureaucrats were also said to have been involved in the final choice of the country's leader.