Japan PM Naoto Kan (菅 直人) confirms to step down, clearing way for selection of 6th premier in 5 years.
Japan Prime Minister Naoto Kan is soon expected to announce his resignation on Friday, nearly three months after first indicating that he would do so, following the passage of two major bills in parliament.
The Democratic Party of Japan’s presidential election to choose the successor to Kan, the current leader of the ruling party, will take place on Monday, when only its 398 lawmakers will be eligible to vote.
More than four lawmakers, a record number since the party was formed in 1998, including former Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara (前原 誠司) and Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda (野田 佳彦), may file for candidacy when campaigning officially begins on Saturday.