Tokyo, Sept. 10 (Jiji Press) — Natsuo Yamaguchi, the leader of Komeito, announced on Tuesday that he will step down as the chief of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s coalition partner when his current term ends. Speaking at a press conference, the 72-year-old stated that he will not participate in the party chief election, which is set to begin its official campaign period on Sept. 18. Yamaguchi expressed his belief that it is time to prepare a new team as younger and middle-ranking party members have grown in prominence.
Referring to upcoming leadership elections within the LDP and other parties, Yamaguchi mentioned that a wave of generational change is approaching in the political world. He emphasized his decision to pass on the baton to the next generation. This will mark Komeito’s first leadership change in 15 years.
Komeito Secretary-General Keiichi Ishii, aged 66, is expected to announce his candidacy for the party leadership race as early as Friday. Given that Ishii is currently the only Komeito member preparing for this position, it is anticipated that he will be chosen as Yamaguchi’s successor at a party convention scheduled for Sept. 28.
Yamaguchi assumed leadership of Komeito in 2009 after Akihiro Ota lost his seat in a House of Representatives election earlier that year. Having served eight terms as chief since then, Yamaguchi holds the record for being Komeito’s longest-serving leader since its relaunch in 1998.
It is likely that Makoto Nishida, head of Komeito’s election division and aged 62, will succeed Ishii as secretary-general. The party also plans to appoint middle-ranking members who are expected to become future leaders into key roles.
