Fumio Kishida Resigns as Japan's Prime Minister

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has resigned along with his Cabinet, clearing the way for Shigeru Ishiba to take office. Kishida's resignation follows a series of scandals during his administration, which lasted nearly three years. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed the resignation at a Cabinet meeting, and Ishiba, who was elected as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party last Friday, is expected to be confirmed as prime minister in a parliamentary vote later today. Ishiba plans to call for a parliamentary election on October 27, emphasizing the need for the new administration to quickly seek public judgment. This transition in leadership marks a significant political shift in Japan, as Kishida was one of the longest-serving prime ministers in the post-war era. Ishiba is anticipated to announce his new Cabinet shortly after his confirmation.