TOKYO - The race to select the new leader of Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party has officially kicked off. Nine people are running, a record high under the current system. The winner is expected to become the country's next prime minister.
The candidates are Economic Security Minister Takaichi Sanae, Former Economic Security Minister Kobayashi Takayuki, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa, Former Environment Minister Koizumi Shinjiro, Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu, Digital Transformation Minister Kono Taro, Former LDP Secretary-General Ishiba Shigeru and current Secretary-General Motegi Toshimitsu. The candidates made their appeals on Thursday.
Takaichi said the first thing that must be done is to transform the LDP into a party the people can truly trust. She added she wants to strengthen the party and create an environment where the LDP can continue to win elections at both the national and local levels.
Kobayashi said he will create a national strategy for 2050 to ensure people can have hopes and dreams. He stressed he will make Japan an independent country that is not affected by activities of other nations.
Hayashi said he has carefully and diligently carried out his duties. He says he decided to run to make best use of those experiences and achievements for Japan, which he loves more than anything else, as well as for his party.
Koizumi said if he becomes prime minister, within one year he would carry out three major reforms: political reform, regulatory reform and expanding people's choices. He also expressed his intention to dissolve the Lower House as early as possible.
Kamikawa said if she becomes prime minister, she will create a new Japan alongside the public, without shying away from challenges. She says she's determined to strengthen the economy and expand opportunities.
Kato said now is the time to double people's incomes, accelerate reforms and create a new Japan together. He stressed he's determined to realize these outcomes, and that is his mission.
Kono emphasized no country can maintain peace or regional stability on its own. He stressed now is the time to share this understanding with the public and communicate Japan's role and responsibilities to the world.
Ishiba said he will create a country that can protect the public with natural disasters and security in mind. He added he will do his best to thoroughly explain his decisions to resolve people's distrust in politics.
Motegi said he wants to draw out the capabilities of each citizen and the attractiveness of each region of the country. He added he wants to work with the people to make Japan a country where everyone can live 100 years with a sense of security and hope for the future.
The race is set to decide the successor to Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. Kishida announced last month he will not be running for LDP leadership again.
Vote counting will take place September 27.
