Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to step down amid series of scandals, not to run for re-election

Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will step down as ruling party leader in September, media reported on Wednesday, ending a three-year term during which he pushed for higher wages and ramped up defence spending. Kishida, who saw his public support erode amid a series of scandals and amid political squabbling, will not seek re-election as the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader, local media, including public broadcaster NHK, reported citing senior administration staff.