FOCUS: LDP leader hopefuls eye succeeding PM Suga as Japan election looms

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's abrupt decision to resign marks the beginning of a tumultuous few months in Japanese politics, with ambitious lawmakers in the ruling party already positioning themselves to become his successor.The Liberal Democratic Party is set to choose its new leader on Sept. 29, a vote that will effectively determine the next prime minister and have major implications for an all-important general election this fall. The LDP leader concurrently serves as premier as the party controls the House of Representatives.Two contenders have already thrown their hats in the ring -…READ FULL ARTICLE