Yoshihiko Noda became Japan's 95th prime minister on Aug. 30, taking the reins of a nation facing an intimidating combination of challenges, including rebuilding following the March 11 earthquake, a nuclear disaster, huge government debts, and a soaring currency that is crippling its industry.
Japan's new prime minister faces a dark horizon
Yoshihiko Noda bows after the Lower House approves him as the next prime minister on Aug. 30. (Satoru Senba)
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