Five Candidates Narrowed Down for Japan LDP Presidential Race... Takaichi and Koizumi Lead as Frontrunners

A total of five candidates are expected to compete in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election in Japan, scheduled for October 4.

On September 13, the Mainichi Shimbun and other media outlets reported that it is highly likely five candidates will run in this election. Among them, former LDP Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi held a press conference announcing his candidacy on September 10. The other four-Sanae Takaichi, former Minister in Charge of Economic Security; Shinjiro Koizumi, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Yoshimasa Hayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary; and Takayuki Kobayashi, former Minister in Charge of Economic Security-are expected to hold press conferences next week to announce their plans to run.

Sanae Takaichi, Former Japanese Minister in Charge of Economic Security. Photo by Yonhap News

The Yomiuri Shimbun stated, "All five who have solidified their intention to run are politicians who were candidates in last September's leadership election," adding, "The structure of the race is becoming more defined." It also reported that Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato and former Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa are considering running, but are facing difficulties in securing the 20 endorsements required to qualify as candidates.

Currently, Sanae Takaichi, former Minister in Charge of Economic Security, and Shinjiro Koizumi, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, are seen as the two leading contenders. According to a Kyodo News poll conducted on September 11-12 with 616 valid respondents, 28.0% named Takaichi and 22.5% named Koizumi as the most suitable candidates for the next LDP leader. Yoshimasa Hayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary, ranked third with 11.4%.

Nicknamed the "female Abe," Sanae Takaichi has demonstrated a right-wing stance by regularly visiting Yasukuni Shrine, where Class-A war criminals from the Pacific War are enshrined.

In last year's leadership election, she placed first in the initial round of voting but lost to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in the runoff.

Shinjiro Koizumi, Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Shinjiro Koizumi, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, is the second son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and is a young politician at 44 years old. He also frequently visits Yasukuni Shrine.

In last year's leadership election, he finished third in the first round of voting.