Former Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan quits politics, saying Japan’s political environment is -very bad-

On October 8, former Japanese Prime Minister and current member of the Constitutional Democratic Party, Naoto Kan, held a press conference to announce his decision to retire from politics.

Reflecting on his lengthy political career, Kan remarked, “I believe I’ve accomplished some necessary tasks in my own way. In many respects, my time in politics has been meaningful.”

When probed about his reasons for stepping away, he pointed primarily to his age. “I’ve been engaged in politics for quite a while, but now I’m 77 years old,” he noted.

Discussing the current state of Japanese politics, Kan voiced his concerns, stating, “The political landscape in Japan is in a poor state at the moment. I hope to see a change in government, and I have faith in the younger generation to bring that about.”

Kan served as Japan’s Prime Minister from June 8, 2010, to September 2, 2011, during a tumultuous period that included the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima nuclear disaster.