As Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) prepares to choose a new leader, three prominent contenders are vying for the top spot. Fumio Kishida, facing pressure over economic woes and scandals, has decided not to seek re-election. Leading the pack is former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who advocates for renewable energy and female emperors. Shinjiro Koizumi, son of a former prime minister, positions himself as a reformer with youthful appeal. Sanae Takaichi, representing the LDP's right wing, emphasizes economic growth.
Here are the leading contenders based on public opinion polls.The former defence minister is making his fifth and, he says, final bid to lead a party that has governed Japan for most of the past seven decades.
Mr Ishiba has also proposed establishing a disaster management agency to build shelters, and wants to improve conditions for military personnel to ensure ageing Japan has enough troops for its defence. Favoured in media polls by younger voters and women, Mr Koizumi has promised to call a general election that could see Japanese voters go to the polls before the US presidential vote in November.
Mr Koizumi supports legislation to allow women to retain their maiden names and wants to allow female emperors, despite opposition from many LDP lawmakers.A keen surfer, Mr Koizumi is married to a French-Japanese TV personality. One of his brothers, Mr Kotaro Koizumi, is also a well-known actor in Japan.Ms Sanae Takaichi says she would prioritise economic growth to strengthen Japan’s international standing.
Ms Takaichi courted controversy in 2016 when she suggested the government could revoke broadcasting licences of media companies deemed to be politically biased.
Japan LDP Shigeru Ishiba Shinjiro Koizumi Sanae Takaichi Prime Minister Election Economy
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