Official announcement from the Japanese government or major news outlets like Kyodo News and NHK

Japan's PM Kishida Will Not Seek Re-election in September's LDP Race, Set to Step Down

Aug 14, 2024, 02:30 AM

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that he will not seek re-election as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the upcoming leadership race scheduled for September 2024. This decision effectively means that Kishida will step down as Prime Minister of Japan. The announcement, reported by Kyodo News and NHK, comes amid reports of political challenges, including a political funds issue, which Kishida has been addressing. His decision not to run is seen as taking responsibility for these issues, and he has expressed hope that the momentum for change within the LDP will continue with his successor. Kishida made this announcement during a press conference.