Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has expressed his intention to retire from politics when his current term as a lawmaker comes to an end, Kyodo news reported Thursday.
Koizumi, 66, expressed his intention to people close to him in his hometown of Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, Kyodo said, citing unidentified sources close to the matter.
Japan's largest broadcaster NHK also said Koizumi would not run for next general elections, which could come as early as in early November.
Koizumi is a House of Representatives member elected from the No. 11 district of Kanagawa, which covers Yokosuka.
He served as Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006 and was one of Japan's longest serving prime ministers.
During his tenure, Koizumi staged a series of bold reforms, such as a plan to privatize the postal savings and insurance sector, and significantly revived Japan's economy.
He also raised Japan's military profile by sending troops to post-war Iraq, which is the country's largest military action after the World War II.
Source: Xinhua
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