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

Taro Aso, a former foreign minister and ruling party stalwart, emerged quickly Tuesday as the front-runner to replace Prime ... Full Article at USA Today

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

Tokyo - Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has given up. The 72-year-old leader failed to rebuild confidence in the party which has ruled the nation almost continuously for more than 50 years, leaving behind a political deadlock. Full Article at Earthtimes.org

The LDP has been in power for all but 10 months since the party was created in 1955, but has now lost three prime ministers in less than three years. Full Article at The Telegraph

Members of Japan's ruling party have called for an internal election to decide who will be the country's next prime minister. Full Article at RTE Interactive

TOKYO—Japan's ruling party worked quickly to find a new leader Tuesday after Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda suddenly resigned over a deadlock in parliament with an emboldened opposition that has blocked or stalled virtually all government business over... Full Article at Boston Globe

It is necessary to try to implement measures under a new framework...I thought now is the best time to resign to avoid a political vacuum, Fukuda, 72, told a hastily convened news conference at 9:30 p.m. Fukuda has been facing difficulties in managing... Full Article at Keralanext