Takaichi Announces Candidacy for LDP Leadership

TOKYO, Sep 20 (News On Japan) - Former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi announced her candidacy in the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election, set to be officially declared next week, unveiling a platform centered on bold “growth investment.” Her policy package also incorporates some opposition proposals, signaling an openness to potential collaboration.

“I, Sanae Takaichi, as someone who loves Japan and the Japanese people with all my heart, and who firmly believes in their strength, will once again run in the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election,” Takaichi said at a press conference on September 19th.

Calling for Japan to “once more stand at the top of the world,” she pledged to pursue economic growth without compromise. Her proposals include the creation of a control center for foreign resident issues and stronger measures against illegal overstayers, aiming to shore up conservative support.

At the same time, her willingness to adopt opposition-backed policies has raised doubts among some conservatives about her capacity to build alliances across party lines. Takaichi said she would push for a tax credit system that increases net income relative to wages, known as a refundable tax credit—an idea championed by the Constitutional Democratic Party. She also pledged to develop backup crisis-management functions for the capital, echoing Nippon Ishin’s “second capital” concept, and to reform income thresholds, as advocated by the Democratic Party for the People.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who placed third behind Takaichi in last year’s race, launched his campaign team the same day. “We must not forget last year’s result, and fight through with a sense of urgency until the end,” Koizumi said, adding that he will announce his policy platform on September 21st.

Koizumi also gained a significant endorsement. Former Digital Minister Taro Kono said, “When we think about who can truly rebuild the party from its foundation, Koizumi is the most suitable.”

With the official announcement just three days away, leadership contenders are stepping up their campaigns.

Source: TBS

Japan Troops Begin Bear Countermeasures

The worsening string of bear incidents across Akita Prefecture has prompted the deployment of the Ground Self-Defense Force to assist in countermeasures. On November 5th, fifteen members of the 21st Infantry Regiment based at the Akita garrison were sent to Kazuno City, where they began support activities such as transporting box traps for capturing bears.

Kamiya Faces Takaichi in First Diet Debate Over Foreign Worker Policy

In the House of Councillors on November 6th, Prime Minister Takaichi faced her first major challenge from Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya, who took the podium for the first time to question the government’s stance on accepting foreign workers. Both share conservative leanings, and Kamiya had been approached by Takaichi for cooperation during the prime ministerial election, but the session quickly turned into a pointed exchange over immigration and national priorities.

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As of 3 p.m. on November 5th, a tropical depression over the sea near the Caroline Islands was slowly moving northward, with the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasting that it would develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. Once it forms, it will be designated as Typhoon No. 26.

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