After a three-year term characterized by corruption and political controversies, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced his resignation as leader of the governing Liberal Democratic Party. Kishida's decision comes after the Party was rocked by several political scandals, including last year's revelation that it failed to declare millions of dollars in political funds. The LDP has held power almost continuously since its establishment in 1955, but public dissatisfaction with its governance appears to be at a high. The question of Kishida's replacement has invited much speculation, as it is significant to both Japan's political and economic future.