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Inside Japanese politics

Kishida's right-hand man shows new leadership style in Japan

Career insider Takashi Shimada helps PM tear down walls and bridge gaps

Takashi Shimada, right, is recognized as a key political insider and a vital part of the new administration. (Photo by Kai Fujii)

TOKYO -- Each office in the building housing the administration of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has an electronic board showing when Kishida, cabinet members and senior staff are on the premises. The person's name lights up on the board when they enter and turns off when they leave.

Almost without fail, the light of Kishida's right-hand man is the first to go on each day, according to a source who prefers to remain anonymous.

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