Here’s what’s next in Japan with Kishida bowing out as party leader and prime minister next month

Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s embattled Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has surprised the country by announcing that he’ll step down when his party picks a new leader next month. His decision clears the way for his governing Liberal Democratic Party to choose a new standard bearer in its leadership election next month. The winner of that election will replace Kishida as both party chief and prime minister. A new leader could help the party shake off scandals that have dogged Kishida’s government, and some see a chance for the country to select its first female prime minister.