yen

The long-ruling party has become increasingly unpopular as Japan finds itself in the throes of economic challenges including soaring inflation, a sluggish economy and a weak yen.

A weak yen is good for exporters like Toyota and Sony as it makes goods cheaper for overseas buyers.

ACT's offer comes at a time of significant weakness in the Japanese yen against the US dollar, making Seven & i more affordable to foreign buyers.

Analysts point to the Japanese yen's weakness against the US dollar and other major currencies for helping to make Seven & i affordable.

Support for Mr Kishida has fallen after his party was hit by a corruption scandal, and as his government battles rising living costs and a slumping yen.