Sanae Takaichi declares her run for Leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)
In the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election scheduled for October 4, 2025, Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi has officially announced her candidacy for the Japan election.
Takaichi, a prominent figure in Japanese politics, is known for her ambitious goal to transform people's daily lives and future anxieties into hopes and dreams. Her political stance aims to overcome the crisis Japan is facing, mirroring the economic policies of her political mentor, former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, which include government spending and low interest rates.
However, Takaichi faces a formidable rival in the Japan election – Shinjiro Koizumi, the current Minister of Agriculture and a regular visitor to the Yasukuni Shrine. Koizumi, the telegenic son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, is also expected to officially announce his candidacy for the LDP leadership election today.
Koizumi's political stance is not explicitly detailed, but his visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, a controversial site that honours Japan's war dead and is seen by other Asian nations as a symbol of Japan's militarist past, have been a point of contention.
Takaichi, on the other hand, has visited the Yasukuni Shrine as well. Her stance on China's military buildup in the Asia-Pacific region and her support for robust national defense programs are areas where she and Koizumi may find common ground, but their differences in leadership style and approach could set them apart.
Three men have already formally declared their candidacy in the LDP leadership election, including Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi. Takaichi, with her past experience in LDP leadership elections and her current status as a favourite in the race, is likely to face Koizumi and other contenders in the Japan election.
The winner of the LDP leadership election will be seen as the best candidate to 'revive the LDP and lead it to election victories,' according to Junichi Takase, professor emeritus at Nagoya University of Foreign Studies. The election on October 4 will undoubtedly shape the future of Japanese politics.
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