Naoto Kan vs Norman Kirk

Kan was elected as Prime Minister of Japan after Yukio Hatoyama resigned. He succeeded Hatoyama as leader of the Democratic Party of Japan and formed a cabinet focused on fiscal reform and reducing the national debt.

Kan announced a policy to phase out nuclear power in Japan by the 2030s. This decision followed the Fukushima disaster and marked a major shift in Japan's energy policy, though it was later reversed by subsequent governments.

Kan led Japan's response to the Fukushima nuclear disaster triggered by the T

Kan resigned as Prime Minister after facing criticism over his handling of the Fukushima disaster and declining approval ratings. He was succeeded by Yoshihiko Noda.

Norman Kirk led the Labour Party to victory in the 1972 general election, becoming Prime Minister. His government pursued progressive policies, including withdrawing New Zealand troops from Vietnam and establishing diplomatic relations with China.

Kirk's government completed the withdrawal of New Zealand troops from the Vietnam War, ending the country's involvement. This fulfilled a key campaign promise and aligned with growing anti-war sentiment.

Kirk's government strongly opposed French nuclear testing in the Pacific. He sent a New Zealand naval frigate to the test zone in protest and took France to the International Court of Justice, though the tests continued.

Norman Kirk died suddenly at age 51 from a pulmonary embolism, after only 20 months as Prime Minister. His death shocked the nation and led to a period of mourning, with his state funeral attended by thousands.