The Japanese parliament has elected a new Prime Minister to replace Junichiro Koizumi, who has stepped down after more than five years in office.
His successor is 52-year-old, Shinzo Abe, who was elected to the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democrat party last week.
Mr Abe, an advocate of closer military ties with the United States, has pledged to rewrite Japan's pacifist constitution and boost Tokyo's say in global affairs.
He also says he will push ahead with the economic reforms begun by Mr Koizumi.
Mr Abe is the youngest Japanese leader since World War Two.
