Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has begun its leadership vote, which will determine the country’s next prime minister. A record nine candidates are vying for the top spot, including seasoned defense expert Shigeru Ishiba, hawkish nationalist Sanae Takaichi, and young politician Shinjiro Koizumi.
The winner will likely become the prime minister, as the LDP holds a parliamentary majority. They will face significant challenges, including regional security threats from an increasingly assertive China, deepening defense ties between China and Russia, and North Korea’s banned missile tests. Additionally, they will need to revitalize the economy as the central bank moves away from decades of monetary easing that has slashed the value of the yen.
The candidates bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives:
Shigeru Ishiba, 67, is a former defense minister with experience tackling tough social issues. Sanae Takaichi, 63, is an economic security minister known for her nationalist views. Shinjiro Koizumi, 43, is a former environment minister and the youngest candidate in the running.
Experts predict a close contest, with Ishiba’s “fair and square” attitude potentially giving him an edge, while Takaichi’s nationalist stance could appeal to the LDP’s right-wing faction. The winner will be formally elected by parliament on October 1.
