Tokyo - Japan's first female candidate for leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) said Friday that she had won the support of former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi.

"I am super happy," said Yuriko Koike, who faces four opponents in the September 22 LDP vote. "With strong cheers from Mr Koizumi, I gained power to 100 per cent."

Tokyo  - Japan expects to enhance a "mutually beneficial relationship" with China and improve public sentiment in both nations when President Hu Jintao makes his first official visit next week, a F