Japanese premier faces leadership challenge

Japan’s prime minister will have to fight for his job next month when the ruling party holds its leadership election.

Senior politician Ichiro Ozawa said he will run against Prime Minister Naoto Kan for the leadership of the Democratic Party in its September 14 election.

Mr Ozawa is unpopular with the public but is considered one of the most powerful figures in Japanese politics. He is renowned as a backroom dealer and election strategist.

He resigned from his post as the party’s number two official in June amid a campaign finance scandal.

An Ozawa victory would set the 68-year-old up to become Japan’s sixth prime minister in three years.