FILE PHOTO: Japanese veteran Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Sanae Takaichi speaks to the media during a press conference in Tokyo on September 19, 2025. Takaichi was the top choice among the general public, with a 28 to 24 per cent lead over Koizumi, while she trailed him, 24 to 41 per cent among LDP supporters. - AFP
TOKYO: Japan’s ruling party leadership race formally kicked off Monday (Sept 22) under close market scrutiny, with the outcome likely to determine who will lead the nation following Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s decision to step down.
The winner will face the urgent task of rebranding the party to stop a drift of supporters to rival populist parties that have stripped the LDP of its majorities in both chambers of parliament in recent elections.
