Former Japanese Prime Minister Nakasone dies

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone has died at the age of 101.

Nakasone was Japan’s prime minister from November 1982 to November 1987.

According to Xinhua news, sources informed that Nakasone, a politician known for his support of expanding Japan’s defense provisions, passed away at a hospital in Tokyo just after 7:00 a.m. local time Friday.

Widely regarded as a strong figure in politics, the former Japanese leader, in terms of diplomacy, was also known to have a close, first name-basis relationship with former U.S. President Ronald Reagan during the 1980s.