Japan's new PM: Yukio Hatoyama

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Japan stands at the threshold of change. Yukio Hatoyama will take office as the country's new prime minister today. But worries grows that the new leader lacks experience. Andrew Dupuis takes a look at Hatoyama's profile.

Hatoyama has an impeccable political pedigree, despite being seen by many as an uncharismatic, stiff leader.

The 62-year-old is the grandson of Ichiro Hatoyama, who was prime minister from 1954 to 1956.

His father, Iichiro, served as foreign minister.

Hatoyama studied engineering at the University of Tokyo and earned a Ph.D. at Stanford University before starting a teaching career.

In 1986, he was elected to parliament.

After cutting his teeth in the ruling party, Hatoyama defected when it faced an internal revolt over corruption scandals among its top leaders in 1993. He then joined the opposition to form an eight-party coalition government.

In 1998 he helped establish the Democratic Party.

During the election compaign, Hatoyama's party vows to move Japan away from a corporate-centered economic model to an agenda that focuses on helping everyday people.