1. Japan’s main ruling Liberal Democratic Party will hold its leadership election with voting open to both Diet lawmakers and rank-and-file members across the nation. The LDP’s General Council decided on this format on Tuesday. Calls had been raised within the party for the views of all members to be heard in order to revive the LDP.
2. Japan’s opposition parties have agreed to demand that an extraordinary session of the Diet be convened soon to avoid creating a political vacuum after Prime Minister and current LDP President Ishiba Shigeru announced his decision to step down as party president. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is arranging a party leadership election to choose a new party president.
3. A research institute in Japan says the number of people infected so far this year with a disease transmitted mainly by ticks has reached a record high. Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, or SFTS, can cause a reduction in blood platelets, hemorrhaging or unconsciousness. The health ministry says from 10 percent to 30 percent of cases are fatal.