Often compared to the Kennedy family for the impressive list of lawmakers and scholars hailing from its ranks, the Hatoyama clan is one of the nation's most prominent political dynasties.
And with Yukio Hatoyama, president of the Democratic Party of Japan, and brother Kunio, a veteran Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker, stirring up the political scene as the general election nears, the glare of the media spotlight is on their each and every move.
Following are question and answers regarding the Hatoyamas: