Japan to appoint slump fighter

Japan's next prime minister, who won a landslide victory in elections over the weekend, will create a Cabinet post to oversee national strategy with special emphasis on bringing the country out of its worst economic downturn since the Second World War.

Diplomacy, particularly relations with Washington, are also expected to be one of Yukio Hatoyama's top priorities.

Hatoyama has moved quickly to prepare a coalition with smaller allies and meet top leaders of his own party to assure a smooth transition.

He will be formally installed as prime minister in a special session of parliament during the next few weeks.