A year after disappearing from sight following hospitalization for a back injury, former Prime Minister Noboru Takeshita maintains his reputation as a major behind-the-scenes political influence.
Members of the Liberal Democratic Party's biggest faction, which Takeshita once headed and is now led by Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, have lined up to campaign for him in his Shimane Prefecture constituency to thwart an opposition candidate who threatens to storm the stronghold of local conservatives.
Takeshita, 76, represents "the pledge of union of the Obuchi faction. Without Takeshita, the faction could break up," said a legislator with another LDP faction.