Tokyo, Sep 10 (IANS): Natsuo Yamaguchi, leader of Japan's ruling coalition party Komeito, said on Tuesday that he would step down and not run in the party's upcoming leadership election.

Stressing a smooth generational shift within the party, Yamaguchi announced at a press conference during the day, marking the first leadership change for Komeito in 15 years, Xinhua news agency reported.

The 72-year-old politician will step down upon the expiration of his eighth term on September 28 following his decision not to run for the leadership election scheduled on September 18.

Yamaguchi, who has led Komeito since 2009, has played a significant role in the coalition government with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, notably contributing to the party's successes in national elections.

With Yamaguchi's departure, Secretary-General Keiichi Ishii, 66, is expected to run unopposed and likely to be formally approved as the new leader at the party's convention on September 28.