Nobuko Koizumi

Nobuko Koizumi, born in 1949, is currently 67 years old. She was born in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Her family has a long-standing political tradition; her grandfather was Yūjirō Koizumi, who served as Post Minister in the Hamaguchi and Wakatsuki cabinets. Her father was Jun'ichirō Koizumi, who held the position of Director-General of the Defense Agency, as well as Minister of Health and Welfare and Minister of Postal Services, eventually becoming Prime Minister of Japan. Besides the political background, several other family members have had influence in politics, and their careers were supported by women within the family.

Nobuko Koizumi's mother was Yoshie Koizumi, born to Yūjirō Koizumi and his second wife, Ishikawa Hatsu. Her maternal grandmother, Ayabe Nayo, was not a mother herself. Ishikawa Hatsu later married businessman Tadasō Yamaguchi, a move considered to be influenced by her "tattooed tribe" background, which created a unique clan relationship within the family. It is known that Nobuko Koizumi’s family faced upheavals after the war, with the family losing their mansion during a Tokyo air raid, leading to financial difficulties. After her father’s business failed, the family moved to Yokosuka, relying on a small sports用品 shop to make a living.

After graduating from Seisen Girls' Academy in Yokosuka at 18, Nobuko swiftly entered the political scene and became one of the longest-serving female secretaries in Japan’s Parliament. She has held various positions as a political secretary across Japan, with responsibilities including caregiving, managing bank accounts, and intervening in political decision-making. In her family, she maintains a close relationship with her younger brother, Jun'ichirō Koizumi. From the time he entered politics, she has continuously provided him with political advice and personal support, becoming an important supporter and influencer in his career.

As a key family figure, Nobuko has played a crucial role in her brother’s political career. She influences his political ideas and decisions and holds significant authority over internal affairs within the government and the party. She has frequently offered advice during critical decision-making moments and controls sensitive issues such as visits to Yasukuni Shrine and Japan’s troop dispatch to Iraq. Due to her low profile and long-standing political career, she is often called the "Behind-the-Scenes Lady Boss," and her influence is considered to hold special significance in Japanese politics.

Nobuko has remained unmarried throughout her life, dedicating herself entirely to her family and her brother’s political career, firmly believing that "protecting Jun'ichirō is equivalent to protecting the Koizumi family." She serves as a "spiritual pillar" within the family and is an indispensable political partner to her brother. Her extensive experience in politics and her deep influence have made her an important figure on Japan’s political stage.