Image Credits: Foreign Policy
The race for the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) presidential election, scheduled for September, is gaining momentum as key figures declare their intentions. Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi is poised to announce his candidacy as early as Monday, according to sources. This move signals his readiness to compete in what promises to be a highly contested election.
Kobayashi, 49, is expected to secure the necessary recommendations from at least 20 LDP lawmakers, bolstered by support from House of Representatives members backing his bid. Despite his relatively low profile, Kobayashi has been actively building a broad base of support by engaging early with various factions within the party. He is affiliated with the faction led by former Secretary General Toshihiro Nikai, though Nikai himself has announced plans to dissolve the faction, leaving Kobayashi without direct support from it.
In a significant development, digital minister Taro Kono, 61, has received the endorsement of LDP Vice President Taro Aso. Kono met with Aso in Tokyo on Friday, where he confirmed his intention to run. With Aso’s backing, Kono is now positioned to secure endorsements from the 54-member Aso faction. However, some senior members of the faction have begun to distance themselves from Kono, prompting Aso to advise him to solidify his support within the faction.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, 63, has also declared his intention to run for the LDP presidency. Hayashi’s decision follows Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s announcement that he will not seek reelection and will dissolve his faction. Hayashi, a key figure in the faction formerly led by Kishida, is now working to garner support for his candidacy.
Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, 71, a member of the Kishida faction, has already initiated efforts to secure the requisite 20 recommendations for her campaign. Meanwhile, former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, 68, has expressed interest in the race, stating his intention to make concrete moves toward candidacy. Kato, who belongs to the Motegi faction—a policy group led by Toshimitsu Motegi, 68, who also plans to run—indicates a competitive field ahead.
As the September election approaches, the LDP is witnessing a dynamic and multifaceted race, with several prominent figures vying to lead the party into the future. The evolving support dynamics and factional alignments will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of this pivotal election.