🔗 Share this article

Japan could soon have potentially its inaugural woman or most youthful head of government while the nation's governing faction votes for its second new leader in just over twelve months.

Japan's dominant political faction seeks to replace the outgoing head of government, who resigned recently following his administration's failed to maintain control in both houses in the legislature.

The chosen leader confronts multiple obstacles - not least guiding a faction continuing to battle to regain voter trust following significant economic misconduct controversies.

Furthermore, they'll require to navigate the fraught American-Japanese ties and executing the trade agreement established under the previous administration with the former US leadership.

Political Landscape

An anticipated trip from the former US president in Japan in late October comes as both nations - historically close allies and major partners on economic and defense matters - continue to hash out methods to execute the trade agreement.

Within the country, the incoming leadership must additionally find a way to boost the flailing economy and confronting growing price increases and a persistent living expense emergency, in addition to addressing a movement in the direction of conservative extremism.

Even being named head of government for the victor remains uncertain since the ruling party has lost an absolute majority within the legislature.

Saturday's vote will be within the LDP's 295 parliamentarians and grassroots party members.

Should no candidate secure the required votes during the first round, a second ballot will quickly follow among the leading contenders.

Frontrunner Candidates

Several individuals remain in contention as frontrunners: the agriculture minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, along with a veteran politician, potentially becoming Japan's first female prime minister if she won.

The female candidate, 64, has long respected of Margaret Thatcher's leadership.

Recognized as a strong supporter and protégé of the late PM Shinzo Abe, she is a staunch traditionalist, publicly rejects same-sex marriage and has regularly visited the disputed memorial site.

Previously not considered an active supporter on women's issues, but Takaichi's tone has shifted recently, promising to render babysitter fees partially tax-deductible and proposing corporate tax breaks to employers that provide in-house child care services.

The candidate committed to double the size of the economy in a decade with heavy state investment in new technologies, infrastructure, food production along with additional fields ensuring financial stability.

Koizumi, 44, follows in the footsteps of his political father, who served as prime minister during the early 2000s.

Seen as the new generation representative within the established party, the candidate engages well with press and popular on social media, recognized for posting cat photos.

His popularity has soared lately in his ministerial role after reducing costs for staple foods and being praised from party elders for his leadership regarding agricultural matters.

Along with other candidates, the minister promised to reduce levies assisting families managing increasing expenses.

The third frontrunner the chief cabinet secretary, serving as the government's top spokesperson.

Observers say he represents a more reserved figure, yet seasoned and proven.

His backing comes primarily from a group once led by former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Other names under consideration comprise the ex-diplomatic chief and another political figure and former economic security minister from the party ranks.

Political Crisis

This political contest follows a bruising few years for the LDP including multiple controversies, widespread voter apathy historically poor polling numbers.

In 2024, the newly-confirmed Ishiba called early voting during autumn, saying it was "important for the new administration to be judged by the people as soon as possible.

This strategic move that backfired.

The electorate - still furious over misconduct allegations coping with price increases economic pressures - delivered poor performance in a decade.

Since over a decade ago, the dominant party - governing the nation with few interruptions for decades - lost its parliamentary majority.

Then this year, control diminished in the upper house parliamentary elections.

The leader initially declined for him to step down at first, explaining he required to accept accountability for the LDP's losses while managing international agreements.

But in early September - ahead of an internal leadership vote potentially removing him - he bowed out, announcing his resignation and setting the stage for the current selection process.