Former Economic Security Minister and former Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, announced on Thursday (September 18th) that she will run for the presidency of the ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party, in a bid to succeed Shigeru Ishiba as party leader and Prime Minister of Japan.
Takaichi emphasized the need for a politics that can transform the public’s anxieties about life and the future into dreams and hopes, stating her determination to “exert all efforts” to overcome Japan’s crises, establish a clear direction, and ensure political stability.
She mentioned that she will take advantage of the presidential election debates to clearly explain the party’s goals and policies to the public. Takaichi is scheduled to hold a press conference on the 19th to present her specific political views and policy directions.
On the same day, Takaichi met with the highest advisor of the Liberal Democratic Party and former Prime Minister, Taro Aso, to express her intentions and determination to run for the presidency.
At 64 years old, Takaichi is considered a representative of the conservative faction within the party, with a security stance similar to the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and is seen by many as a strong candidate to become Japan’s first female prime minister.
The upcoming LDP presidential election is expected to feature a competition among the “Big Five.” Each camp is actively mobilizing, seeking support from parliamentary members, party members, and supporters.
Apart from Takaichi, other declared candidates include former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi, former Foreign Minister and former Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi, and Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Shinjiro Koizumi expressed his intention to run during a press conference on Tuesday (September 16), stating that he will further communicate with relevant parties before making a formal announcement. Koizumi is the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, and enjoys relatively high popularity within and outside the party.
The LDP presidential election, originally scheduled for 2027 when Ishiba’s term expires, was brought forward to October 4th due to the ruling coalition’s defeat in the July 20th House of Councillors election, prompting Ishiba to resign earlier this month to take political responsibility.
The LDP presidential election typically involves voting by party-affiliated parliamentary members and nationwide party members/supporters to determine the new party leader. If no candidate receives a majority, a second round of parliamentary voting will take place. The winner usually smoothly assumes the role of Prime Minister in the parliamentary nomination vote.