TOKYO — The political landscape in Japan is in flux after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on Sunday. The move came in the wake of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) losing its majority in both houses of parliament under his leadership, with voters expressing frustration over economic issues and perceived corruption within the party.
An LDP leadership election is now scheduled for October 4, with several high-profile contenders vying for the top job. The winner will face the challenge of rebuilding the party’s image and addressing the public’s concerns. Here’s a look at the key contenders:
Sanae Takaichi: A hard-line conservative, Takaichi has consistently topped opinion polls and came in second to Ishiba in the LDP’s last leadership race. If elected, she would be Japan’s first female prime minister. Her platform, which she has dubbed “Sanae-nomics,” is a continuation of “Abenomics,” advocating for continued fiscal spending and monetary easing. She is also known for her hawkish views on security and her socially conservative stance, including opposition to same-sex marriage.
Shinjiro Koizumi: The charismatic son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, he is seen as a representative of a new generation of LDP politicians. His popularity has grown, especially after his efforts to address the rising cost of rice. He is seen as a “safer” choice by some LDP members who believe he would not challenge the established party agendas.
Yoshimasa Hayashi: As Ishiba’s chief cabinet secretary, Hayashi is a continuity candidate who is expected to bring stability. He has a background in foreign relations and is seen as a moderate.
Takayuki Kobayashi: A former economic security minister, Kobayashi is a young and conservative figure who is gaining traction. He has focused on issues like supply chain security and has been vocal about building stronger ties with Taiwan.
Katsunobu Kato: The current finance minister has a strong network within the party, with good relationships with both conservative and reformist factions. He has held key positions in previous governments and is seen as a leader who can unify the party.
Toshimitsu Motegi: With extensive experience as a foreign and trade minister, Motegi presents himself as a strong negotiator, particularly with the United States. He has proposed temporary tax cuts to help the public cope with rising living costs.
Kono Taro: A former foreign and defense minister, Kono has a track record of pushing for digitalization and administrative reform. He has also been outspoken on monetary policy, urging the Bank of Japan to tighten its policy in response to recent inflation.
The election on October 4 will determine who will lead the LDP and, most likely, become the next prime minister of Japan. The outcome will have significant implications for the country’s economic and foreign policies.