The leader of Japan's ruling coalition partner, Komeito, says he is stepping down when his term ends later this month.

Komeito is the junior partner to the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Yamaguchi Natsuo is serving his eighth term as chief representative. His current term expires on September 28.

He told reporters on Tuesday he will not run in the party's leadership election.

He said he is aware that the time has come for a new lineup, now that the party has younger, capable personnel.

He noted that leadership races of the LDP and the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party make it obvious that politics will be run by those in their 60s or younger, so he decided that being over 70, he must pass the baton to the next generation.

The election to choose Yamaguchi's successor kicks off on Wednesday next week.

Komeito has never had multiple candidates in a leadership race since the party was founded in 1964.

Some party members are backing Secretary General Ishii Keiichi to succeed Yamaguchi.