TOKYO - Former Secretary-General of the main governing Liberal Democratic Party Ishiba Shigeru has declared his candidacy for party president.
He addressed his supporters at a shrine in the town of Yazu in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on Saturday. This is the fifth time for Ishiba to run in a party presidential election.
Ishiba is the second person to announce his candidacy in the race to choose a successor to Prime Minister Kishida Fumio after former Economic Security Minister Kobayashi Takayuki.
Ishiba said he will seek support with all his strength and heart. He said he views this race as his last and the culmination of 38 years of his political career. He said he will do so by drawing on his original aspirations.
Ishiba said when he was a child, a summer festival was held at the shrine that was bustling with people. He said Japan was not as affluent as now, but children and seniors alike were smiling. He said he is determined to bring back a bustling Japan where everyone can live with smiles.
Several lawmakers are expected to announce their candidacy next week.
Digital Transformation Minister Kono Taro is set to hold a news conference on Monday and former Environment Minister Koizumi Shinjiro on Friday.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa is planning to declare his candidacy as early as next week, taking the situation of an approaching typhoon into consideration.
The party's current secretary-general, Motegi Toshimitsu, has decided to run, taking requests from members from the former Motegi faction into consideration. He is now looking into when to make an announcement.
Economic Security Minister Takaichi Sanae is seeking the right timing to announce her candidacy. A lawmaker close to her says the prospect of getting the required recommendations from 20 party lawmakers is now in sight.
Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Saito Ken says he has decided to take aim at the leadership race.
Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu and Noda Seiko, who ran in the last race, have all been working to secure endorsement from 20 people.
Upper House member Aoyama Shigeharu has expressed his hope to run. He said he wants to explain that there is a different option in the leadership race.
The number of candidates in an LDP presidential election has never been more than five since 1972. That was when the requirement of endorsements from party lawmakers was set. Observers say a record number of people may run in the upcoming race.
