Japan’s political succession battle intensified on Tuesday as Farm Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi formally entered the race to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), ahead of a leadership vote scheduled for early October.
They join several contenders vying to replace outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who earlier this month announced his resignation after a series of bruising election defeats that weakened the LDP and its coalition partner, Komeito, costing them their parliamentary majorities.
At a press conference, Koizumi son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi confirmed he had informed his supporters of his decision over the weekend. Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato, who fared poorly in last year’s leadership contest, said he would spearhead Koizumi’s campaign in the spirit of party unity. Koizumi has been credited with efforts to stabilise soaring rice prices this year.
Hayashi, the government’s top spokesperson, announced his candidacy in a social media post, pledging to “lead a new administration that balances stability and growth.” He is scheduled to formally outline his platform later on Tuesday.
The field is already crowded. Former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi declared their bids earlier, while former Internal Affairs Minister Sanae Takaichi a proponent of government stimulus and monetary easing is widely expected to announce her candidacy this week. If successful, she would become Japan’s first female leader.
