Former Japanese PM Nakasone Turns 100

Tokyo [Japan] May 27(ANI): Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, a World War II naval officer has turned 100 on Sunday, fitting in a country known for longevity.

"As I reflect on 100 years of my life with the changing times, many memories pass through my mind and emotions fill up my chest," several media reports quoted Nakasone, as saying in a statement, to mark his 100th birthday.

Nakasone, a conservative politician served as prime minister from November 1982 to November 1987. He is the second one-time prime minister to live to age 100.

Nakasone made the headlines after taking office for his one of the statements, wherein he says, in the event of a war, he would make Japan an unsinkable "aircraft carrier" for U.S. forces and bottle up the Soviet navy, according to the reports.

The former lieutenant in the Imperial Navy who lost his younger brother in World War II was forced to retire in 2003 when he was 85, along with other elder statesmen, by then-premier Junichiro Koizumi.

Former premier is cared for by his 71-year-old daughter at their Tokyo home. He is said to have been slowing down but is in fine health and spirits. (ANI)

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