
Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi indicated Thursday that he would not run in the Lower House election expected this fall, and retire from politics... The perceived negative consequences of Koizumi's structural reform program have lately drawn considerable criticism and analysts said that was a major factor behind Koizumi's decision to retire. Koizumi's withdrawal from the political stage could influence the aftermath of the Lower House election because he was expected to play a central role in any political realignment, according to analysts...Sources said Koizumi informed his close supporters that he wanted his second son, Shinjiro, 27, to succeed him in the Kanagawa No. 11 district...more...