Komeito party leaves the longstanding ruling coalition in Japan

Tetsuo Saito cited corruption concerns (Kyodo via AP)

The head of Japan’s Komeito has said the party is leaving the ruling coalition headed by the Liberal Democratic Party due to concerns over corruption.

The decision announced by Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito deals a serious blow to the Liberal Democrats, who last weekend chose ultra-conservative Sanae Takaichi as their leader.