Koizumi becomes icon for LDP revival: But flexibility fails to translate into specific measures.

Long known for his unpredictable nature and unusual personality, Junichiro Koizumi--the Liberal Democratic Party maverick who has replaced unpopular Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori as LDP president--has not yet made known to the public what kind of specific policy he will adopt in dealing with foreign policy, national security and other key issues.

During his campaign for the LDP presidency, Koizumi received the most support from rank-and-file party members nationwide for his reformist approach to political issues, including calls to privatize postal services. His great popularity has earned him the LDP's top position and a passport to the premiership at a time when the embattled party is preparing for the House of Councillors election in July.

"People call me a 'henjin' (eccentric), but I am a man of reform," Koizumi said in March, indicating his determination to run in the LDP presidential race.

Koizumi was …