Tokyo: Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has entered a decisive leadership race following the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, with multiple senior figures declaring their candidacy to succeed him. The contest is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years, reflecting the party’s weakened position after losing majorities in both houses of parliament.
Shinjiro Koizumi, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, formally announced his candidacy. He is expected to be supported by Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato, who will oversee his campaign. Koizumi has positioned himself as a candidate capable of reconnecting with the public, focusing on economic issues such as rising food prices and everyday concerns of households.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi also declared his candidacy, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between political stability and economic growth. Using social media to announce his entry into the race, Hayashi has pledged to restore confidence in the party’s leadership and pursue pragmatic governance.
The contest already includes former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi, who declared their bids earlier. Former Internal Affairs Minister Sanae Takaichi is also expected to join soon. If successful, she could become Japan’s first female prime minister. Takaichi is known for advocating stimulus measures and continued monetary easing, which could reignite debate over the country’s economic policy direction.
The leadership race comes at a critical time for the LDP. Under Ishiba, the party and its coalition partner Komeito suffered electoral setbacks that left them vulnerable in parliament. The next leader will inherit the challenge of unifying a divided party, regaining voter trust, and securing enough parliamentary support to govern effectively.
Beyond domestic issues, the leadership outcome will have implications for Japan’s foreign policy, regional security, and economic trajectory. The winner must address long-standing challenges, including demographic decline, fiscal pressures, and Japan’s role in navigating an increasingly tense Indo-Pacific region.
The LDP leadership vote is scheduled for early October, with campaigning among party factions expected to intensify in the coming weeks. The result will determine not only the party’s future direction but also Japan’s next prime minister.