The new leader of Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Suga Yoshihide, is set to be elected as prime minister in the Diet on Wednesday.
The vote among lawmakers is virtually assured to name Suga as the successor to Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, since an LDP-led coalition controls both houses.
Olympic hammer throwing gold medalist Murofushi Koji is assuming the post of Japan's Sports Agency commissioner.
The education and sports ministry said on Friday that Murofushi will replace current commissioner Suzuki Daichi on October 1.
A Japanese government regulation requiring all retailers to charge customers for plastic bags is being implemented from Wednesday. The move is aimed at reducing the amount of plastic waste.
Three major convenience store chains have begun charging about three cents for each bag at most of their stores.