TOKYO Japan's Prime Minister resigned Friday, paving the way for the country's sixth new leader in five years. Naoto Kan, pictured, departs as efforts continue to rebuild after the March 11 earthquake/ tsunami and to resolve the nuclear disaster. A parliamentary deadlock and territorial disputes with powerful neighbours are further issues that will face the incoming leader. Mr. Kan's resignation marked the start of a weekend of intense campaigning among seven candidates to head the Democratic Party of Japan leader on Monday. The victor will be voted in as prime minister on Tuesday. Mr. Kan's 14 months in power reflect the instability that has beset recent prime ministers: no one has lasted longer than a year since Junichiro Koizumi's five-year tenure ended in 1996.
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