However, as Mr Aso and his rivals jostle for position, their Liberal Democratic Party looks more vulnerable than at any point in its 53 year history. Full Article at The Telegraph

Andrew DeWit and Takeda Hiroko: Japan's now ex-prime minister had an unhappy tenure. But with the economy ailing and cirisis looming, who wants to take over? Full Article at Guardian Unlimited

Japan began searching for a new prime minister on Tuesday after Yasuo Fukuda became the second leader to abruptly resign in less than a year, threatening a further policy vacuum as the economy teeters on the brink of recession. Full Article at Radio New Zealand