NHK President Masayuki Matsumoto has said he doesn't intend to seek another term when his current spell ends Jan. 24.
The decision may complicate the appointment of a new head of Japan's leading media organization, which faced a rocky road during the last selection process three years ago.
"I fulfilled my responsibility during a single three-year term," Matsumoto said at a regular press briefing. He said his intention has already been conveyed to the chairman of NHK's board of governors, Kenichiro Hamada, who has the authority to name the president of the broadcaster whose formal English name is Japan Broadcasting Corp.