Tokyo: Former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has announced his retirement from politics. Mr. Suga signaled today his decision to step down, citing his age as a primary reason for his withdrawal from political life.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suga, who recently turned 77, expressed his intention to retire to allow a younger generation to take the helm. During his announcement, he mentioned that he had contemplated retirement since he turned 70 and confirmed that he would not participate in the upcoming election.

Mr. Suga has had a distinguished political career, serving ten terms as a member of the House of Representatives since his first election in 1996. He also held the position of Chief Cabinet Secretary for over seven years under the leadership of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a role that marked a significant period in his career.