, Columnist
Kishida’s Resignation Opens the Door to a Chaotic Era
The prime minister’s decision not to seek another term may set up Japan’s most exciting race for a leader in years.
All bets are off in Japan.
Photographer: Philip Fong/Pool/Getty Images
In the end, Fumio Kishida could not escape the pull of gravity.
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party will elect its new leader late next month, and in recent weeks, the momentum in Tokyo had been swinging one way: That the unpopular but famously stubborn Kishida would run, and win, as potential successors demurred and bided their time for a better opportunity.