Kazuo Shii, the longtime leader of the Japanese Communist Party, has decided not to run in the upcoming Lower House election. This move marks the end of Shii's significant political career in a country that places high importance on seniority. Details about his successor and the party's future direction remain unclear.

In Japan, the decision of a prominent politician like Shii to step down becomes a significant topic of discussion, as it indicates a major shift in the power dynamics within the political party and potentially, the overall political landscape of the country. Moreover, due to the respect traditionally accorded to seniority in Japan, the retirement of a veteran leader is an important event.

In the US or EU, the retirement of a long-term party leader would also receive significant attention, reflecting on discussions about the legacy of the retiring leader and speculations about their potential successor. However, unlike Japan, the emphasis on seniority is less ingrained in the political culture of the West.