Reactions From Political Leaders
Top officials from Japan's ruling and opposition parties commented on Prime Minister Abe Shinzo's intention to step down.
Policy chief Kishida Fumio of Abe's Liberal Democratic Party told reporters that he will confirm the facts later.
Yamaguchi Natsuo, the leader of the LDP's coalition partner Komeito, said to NHK that Abe told him he would step down. Yamaguchi added he was very surprised because it was so sudden.
Constitutional Democratic Party Diet affairs chief Azumi Jun told reporters that he was very surprised.
He went on to say that if what has been reported is true, then Abe may have been in a worse condition than previously thought.
He also said that the impact of the resignation is immeasurable, and that it would completely change the political situation in Japan.
