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A record nine candidates have commenced a brief 15-day campaign to become the next leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and succeed Fumio Kishida as prime minister. The campaign period began on Thursday, aiming to restore public confidence after a scandal involving slush funds impacted intraparty groups.

The LDP is Japan’s major nationalist and conservative political party, once led by the late Shinzo Abe—a friend and political ally of former President Donald J. Trump. Abe was murdered by an assassin on July 8, 2022, while delivering a campaign speech in support of a fellow party member’s bid for a seat in the House of Councillors.

Due to the LDP’s dominance in Japanese politics, whichever candidate wins the party’s presidency will likely assume office as the country’s prime minister on October 1. The LDP and its coalition partner, Komeito, currently hold approximately 60 percent of the seats in the National Diet (the legislature comprising both the lower and upper house).

THE CANDIDATES.

Among the contenders are two candidates in their 40s and two women vying to be Japan’s first female prime minister. Four of the nine candidates currently serve in the Cabinet. Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized transparency and public trust in politics during a televised joint appearance with other candidates.

Shigeru Ishiba, 67, making his fifth attempt at LDP leadership, described it as the culmination of his extensive career. Shinjiro Koizumi, 43, seeks to continue his reformer father’s legacy despite questions about his experience. Digital Minister Taro Kono, 61, the early Cabinet member to announce his candidacy, targets global security issues. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, 63, is known for his diverse expertise.

Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, 71, is one of the two female candidates and has gathered the required support from 20 lawmakers. Economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, 63, aligns herself with the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s vision.

Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, 49, and ex-health minister Katsunobu Kato, 68, are new entrants to the race. LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi, 68, challenges the government’s tax policy and proposes alternative funding for defense spending increases.

If no candidate secures a majority of the 734 votes in the initial count, the election will move to a runoff between the top two candidates, with votes reallocated to Japan’s 47 prefectures and LDP lawmakers.

Image by The Government of Japan. 


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A record nine candidates have commenced a brief 15-day campaign to become the next leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and succeed Fumio Kishida as prime minister. The campaign period began on Thursday, aiming to restore public confidence after a scandal involving slush funds impacted intraparty groups.

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