Kazuhiro Sugita, Japan’s longest-serving deputy chief cabinet secretary, has died at the age of 84, officials confirmed on Monday.
Sugita held the influential bureaucratic post for eight years and nine months.
His tenure spanned multiple administrations during a politically significant period in Japan.
Sugita assumed the role at the launch of former prime minister Shinzo Abe’s second administration in December 2012.
He remained in office through the end of the government led by Abe’s immediate successor, Yoshihide Suga.
Sugita stepped down from the position in October 2021 following the transition of leadership.
During his tenure, he was regarded as a central figure in coordinating government policy and crisis response.
Sugita was known for his behind-the-scenes influence within the Japanese bureaucracy.
He played a key role in maintaining administrative continuity during periods of political change.
Born in Saitama Prefecture, Sugita built his career through Japan’s elite civil service ranks.
He graduated from the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Law, a traditional pipeline for senior officials.