As PM Suga exits, weary Japan must avoid return to revolving-door era

IN about two months' time, the world will find out the identity of Japan's next Prime Minister. There are many capable candidates eager to ascend to the top job, but what's clear is that it won't be Yoshihide Suga, the incumbent who abruptly announced his resignation from the top job on Sept 3.

The 72-year-old probably didn't think he would mark his first full year in office - he was formally elected on Sept 16 last year - knowing that he will exit the post in the next few weeks.

By most accounts, it has been a difficult past 12 months for the unpopular Mr Suga. He has endured a string of local election losses, faced plenty of flak for controversially pushing ahead to stage the Summer Olympics against the public's will, and struggled to control the coronavirus pandemic that is still raging through many parts of the country.