According to Odaily, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on Wednesday that he will not seek re-election, paving the way for a new leader this autumn. Kishida, 67, has strengthened Japan's relations with the United States and South Korea during his three-year tenure, and nearly doubled the country's defense spending. However, his domestic popularity has been marred by political funding scandals and relatively high inflation.

In a press conference, Kishida stated that he will not run for re-election as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the election scheduled for September. Traditionally, the LDP leader also serves as the Prime Minister or head of government. Potential successors to Kishida include 61-year-old Digital Minister Taro Kono and 68-year-old former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Additionally, some within the party are advocating for a younger candidate, such as 43-year-old former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.