TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) -- Former Japanese prime minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, an outspoken politician who jousted with U.S. officials over the auto trade and brought "Big Bang" financial reforms to Tokyo, died on Saturday at the age of 68. Hashimoto, who retired from politics last September citing poor health, had undergone surgery to remove a large part of his intestine after being rushed to hospital on June 4, his son told a news conference. He died in a Tokyo hospital. Hailed as a forceful leader who would tackle reform when he took office in 1996, Hashimoto ultimately faltered in the face...
