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BY TRACY PFEIFFER

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

You're watching multisource world news analysis from Newsy.

Five years.

Six leaders.

That’s set to be the tally for Japan’s prime minister position-- since current PM Naoto (Now toe) Kan has announced he will resign early next week.

Kan has faced quote- “widespread dissatisfaction” over his response to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

And his exit-- allows him to duck a vote of no-confidence from his own party. Voice of America explains the deal. (Video: NHK)

“Mr. Kan has said he would step down if parliament passes two key bills – one on the release of new bonds and another to promote renewable energy. Both bills are expected to pass by the end of this week following a deal between ruling party lawmakers and the opposition.”

The next prime minister will be chosen from within the ruling Democratic Party of Japan.

And Kan won’t be the only one heading for the door-- NHK explains.

GENE OTANI, NHK: “Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan says his cabinet will resign en masse next Tuesday following the Democratic Party’s leadership election. …He said the top officials of each ministry should be prepared to make a proper handover of outstanding problems and necessary affairs.”

So-- now what?

A Kyodo -News poll puts former finance minister Seiji Maehara as the frontrunner.

The Japan Times notes-- his name in the hat is something of a surprise.

“Maehara was originally not expected to run because he had stepped down as foreign minister in March after it was revealed he had received illegal donations from a foreigner ... He had been expected to wait until the DPJ's next regular presidential election, scheduled for September 2012, when the current president's two-year term ends.”

Another big name-- finance minister Yoshihiko Noda.

Noda threw his name in before Maehara-- but a writer for Nikkei says, it’ll be a struggle.

“Maehara's candidacy is a game changer that will split the party's mainstream, which has supported Kan's government and also includes Noda. The latter, who had been counting on support from Maehara's group, will need to change his strategy.”

Finally, a writer for the Financial Times notes -- whatever the outcome -- the new prime minister will likely face the same problems as the predecessor.

“Whoever wins the DPJ leadership will continue to face a hung parliament, which has made it difficult for the ruling party to pass legislation. Mr Kan has been seen as a barrier to improved co-operation between the parties.”

The DPJ is expected to choose the new leader next Monday.

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