Masayoshi Ohira vs Yoshihiko Noda

Masayoshi Ohira became Prime Minister of Japan on December 7, 1978, succeeding Takeo Fukuda. His election followed a close LDP presidential race. Ohira's government focused on economic management and foreign policy, including strengthening ties with the United States.

Ohira hosted the 5th G7 Summit in Tokyo from June 28-29, 1979. The summit addressed the global oil crisis, inflation, and energy policy. Ohira played a key role in coordinating Western responses to the second oil shock following the Iranian Revolution.

Ohira died of a heart attack on June 12, 1980, while in office as Prime Minister. His death occurred during a general election campaign, triggering a sympathy vote that led to a landslide victory for the LDP. He was the first Japanese prime minister to die in office since 1945.

Noda became Prime Minister in September 2011, succeeding Naoto Kan. He was the last leader of the Democratic Party of Japan before Shinzo Abe's return to power in 2012, marking the end of the DPJ's brief period in government.

Noda pushed through a controversial bill to raise the consumption tax from 5% to 10% by 2014, despite opposition within his own party. The tax hike was intended to address Japan's massive public debt but cost the DPJ public support.

Noda dissolved the House of Representatives in November 2012, triggering a snap election. The DPJ suffered a historic defeat, winning only 57 seats, while the LDP under Shinzo Abe returned to power. This ended DPJ rule.

Noda's government nationalized three of the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands by purchasing them from a private Japanese owner. This move provoked massive anti-Japan protests in China and severely strained bilateral relations.