Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will not seek re-election for leader of Japan's ruling party.
The party is due to hold its presidential election in September. The winner effectively becomes the Prime Minister of Japan, and leads the party to the next general election.
His successor will face rising living costs, escalating geopolitical tensions, and the potential return of Donald Trump as US president next year.
Fumio Kishida has long battled low approval ratings, with one poll showing an approval rating of 15-point-5 per cent in July.
Japan must hold a general election by October 2025.
ABC/Reuters
ABC