Taro Yamamoto, leader of Japan's opposition Reiwa Shinsengumi party, announced his resignation and retirement from politics at a press conference in Tokyo on Wednesday, citing health problems and a recent criminal conviction for speeding.
Yamamoto, 51, resigned from the upper house in January after being diagnosed with a pre-cancerous form of multiple myeloma. He was also caught driving a rental car at 149 km/h on an expressway in Oita last October, 69 km/h over the limit, resulting in a 90,000-yen fine and a 90-day license suspension. Co-leader Akiko Oishi and other senior members will also leave the party.
Reiwa Shinsengumi will hold a leadership election with nominations opening July 17 and voting on July 31, and plans to change its name within 30 days of selecting a new leader.