"It is necessary to try to implement measures under a new framework," the 72-year-old Japanese leader told reporters at a Tokyo news conference. "I thought now is the best time to resign to avoid a political vacuum."

With his resignation, Fukuda's government comes to an end after less than a year. In his dual role as president of the dominant Liberal Democratic Party, Fukuda also said he has instructed party leaders to begin preparations for an LDP presidential election to pick his successor, Kyodo News reported.

Fukuda's successor as LDP party chief will also become Japan's new prime minister thanks to its majority with coalition partner, the New Komeito party, in the country's House of Representatives, the news agency said.

Political analysts said Fukuda, who took over the government from Shinzo Abe on Sept. 26, has been saddled with extremely low public support despite a Cabinet reshuffling. He also has had trouble negotiating with opposition parties that control the Japanese House of Councilors.