Mie Gov. Masayasu Kitagawa, the first governor to introduce an administrative assessment system, told the prefectural assembly Monday that he will not seek a third term next spring.
The surprise announcement by Kitagawa, known as a reformist who also pushed for disclosure of administrative information, may mean he is seeking a return to national politics.
Although Kitagawa said he is "not thinking" of trying to return to the Diet, he indicated he plans to keep his options open.
A three-time member of the prefectural assembly, Kitagawa was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1983 and re-elected three times before winning the 1995 Mie gubernatorial election.