Who Could Succeed Kishida? Japan’s Key Leadership Candidates

Prime Minister of Japan Mr. Fumio Kishida announced that he will not seek re-election. In the month of September Japan is set to organise an election to elect a PM. Given the LDP’s stronghold on parliament, the new party president is almost guaranteed to become the next prime minister.

Now the question is who is running for the race of Prime Minister of Japan. Here’s a look at the top contenders in the race-

Shigeru Ishiba

A seasoned politician and former defense minister, Ishiba is a perennial favorite among the public, often topping opinion polls as the preferred candidate for prime minister. Despite several failed attempts to secure the party leadership, Ishiba remains influential. Recently, he has voiced support for the Bank of Japan’s shift toward normalizing monetary policy. His platform emphasizes boosting domestic demand to drive economic growth, as opposed to heavy reliance on foreign trade.

Taro Kono

Known for his outspoken nature and fluency in English, Kono has long been a popular figure both within the LDP and among the general public. Despite losing to Kishida in the last party leadership race due to limited support from party insiders, Kono’s outsider image might work to his advantage, particularly as the LDP seeks to restore its reputation following a fundraising scandal. Currently serving as the minister for digital transformation, Kono has an extensive cabinet background, having previously held the positions of foreign minister and defense minister. He has recently moderated his stance on nuclear power and has called for Japan to join the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance.

Yoko Kamikawa

As Japan’s current foreign minister, Kamikawa is a Harvard-educated leader with experience in the private sector, having run her own consulting firm before entering politics. If selected, she would make history as Japan’s first female prime minister. Kamikawa is a strong advocate for increasing female representation in politics, though her tenure as justice minister was controversial due to her approval of multiple death sentences, including those of the Aum Shinrikyo cult members. Her leadership could mark a significant shift in Japan’s political landscape.

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Toshimitsu Motegi

A prominent figure within the LDP, Motegi currently serves as the party’s secretary-general and has previously held the position of foreign minister. Like Kamikawa, Motegi is a Harvard graduate. He is known for his tough stance within the party and has recently suggested that the Bank of Japan should take a more explicit approach toward normalizing monetary policy. Analysts believe Motegi could potentially build a strong relationship with the United States, like the one cultivated by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with Donald Trump.

Shinjiro Koizumi

He is son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. Shinjiro has attracted public attention for his progressive stance on environmental issues and his unconventional approach to politics. Notably, he gained media coverage for surfing near Fukushima to alleviate concerns about the safety of treated water released from the nuclear plant. A former environment minister, Koizumi has advocated for renewable energy and has shown a willingness to challenge Japan’s entrenched interests, as evidenced by his recent efforts to promote ride-sharing apps. Koizumi is a potential contender in the race.

Sanae Takaichi

A former heavy metal drummer turned conservative politician, Takaichi is inspired by the late UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Currently serving as the minister for economic security, she has established her own study group, a move widely seen as preparation for a leadership bid. Takaichi’s hardline views, particularly her visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, could strain Japan’s relations with neighboring countries if she were to become prime minister. Her platform includes a strong endorsement of nuclear energy and concerns about the environmental impact of solar panels.

These candidates are running to start a new future of Japan. As the LDP prepares for its upcoming election, the direction of Japan’s domestic and foreign policy hangs in the balance.