Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party is set to choose a new leader on Friday, with the winner expected to become the country’s next prime minister. The record nine candidates vying for the position are campaigning in a race that has been described as the most unpredictable in many years due to recent corruption scandals within the party.
Some of the prominent contenders include Shigeru Ishiba, who has focused his campaign on security and the economy, and Shinjiro Koizumi, who is positioning himself as the change candidate with a focus on renewables and social issues. Sanae Takaichi, a vocal nationalist, could become Japan’s first woman prime minister, while Taro Kono, an outspoken reformist, is seen as one of the more liberal candidates. Yoko Kamikawa and Hayashi Yoshimasa are also in the running.
The candidates have different approaches to issues such as relations with the US and China, security, and social change. With the possibility of Japan’s first woman or youngest-ever prime minister, the race remains a toss-up as the first round of voting approaches on Friday.
Whoever wins the leadership contest is expected to call a snap election to secure a mandate from voters. The outcome of the leadership race will not only shape the future of Japan’s ruling party but also have significant implications for the country’s domestic and foreign policies.
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