Potential candidates in the Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential election can be divided into two groups regarding when they will announce their candidacy to replace Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as party leader.
Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi was the first to officially declare his candidacy, getting a head start on other LDP members who are expected to join the race. This move is aimed at gaining wider support before the election.
On the other hand, former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi are among those potential candidates who plan to run but are taking their time to assess the election landscape.
The official campaign period for the election will begin on September 12th, with voting taking place on September 27th.
Kobayashi met with Kishida at the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday to inform him directly about his decision to run for LDP leader. Afterward, Kobayashi expressed his determination to raise his profile by being active on the campaign trail despite having little name recognition initially. He has already appeared on multiple TV shows and visited lawmakers’ offices in Tokyo’s Nagatacho area seeking further support.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, another candidate expected to declare soon, also faces a lack of name recognition despite holding important positions such as foreign minister. Hayashi plans to announce his candidacy shortly in an effort to increase his presence in the contest.
Two high-profile candidates, former LDP Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba and digital minister Taro Kono, are likely to formally announce their entry into the race soon. Both have secured nominations from 20 LDP lawmakers and aim to gain additional support from Diet members.
In contrast, Koizumi and Motegi are still considering when they should announce their candidacies. When asked about running for party leader, Koizumi declined to answer directly. Motegi has been discussing his approach with lawmakers affiliated with his party faction and exchanged opinions with former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga earlier this week.
Observers suggest that Koizumi and Motegi’s patient approach is strategic as they build support behind-the-scenes while differentiating themselves from other candidates by delaying their announcements.
Some potential candidates are struggling to secure enough nominations or have not yet determined a clear path towards formally announcing their bids. Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato acknowledged that he is working hard but still has challenges ahead. Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa recently returned from India and held talks with supportive lawmakers while Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ken Saito and former Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Seiko Noda are also working diligently towards securing nominations.
Meanwhile, economic security minister Sanae Takaichi is nearing a decision regarding her own candidacy. She met with supporting lawmakers in Tokyo’s Akasaka area where it was revealed that she is close to obtaining the necessary 20 nominations needed for her announcement next week if she decides indeed run for LDP president.