Japanese PM Fumio Kishida's Final U.S. Trip Amid Political Transitions

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida plans to visit the United States in late September for the U.N. General Assembly and possibly meet President Joe Biden. Kishida is stepping down after exiting the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership race. His successor's approach to U.S. relations is under scrutiny.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is finalizing plans for a visit to the United States in late September, aiming to attend the U.N. General Assembly and possibly meet with President Joe Biden, according to a report by Yomiuri newspaper on Saturday.

With Kishida dropping out of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership race, his tenure as prime minister ends when his party leadership term concludes in late September. A new election could be as early as September 20, with Kishida expected to address the General Assembly following the selection of his replacement by Japan's parliament.

There are concerns within the Japanese government about the next prime minister's relationship with the United States, particularly under President Joe Biden, who was replaced by Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party nominee for the November U.S. presidential election. Harris will compete against former President Donald Trump.

(With inputs from agencies.)