Image Credits: The Japan News
On September 14, a debate for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election, organized by the Japan National Press Club, showcased nine candidates vying for the top position. The debate, held at the Japan Press Center in Tokyo, featured each candidate presenting a one-minute speech before nominating a peer to ask them questions.
The candidates’ strategies became evident during the session, particularly in how they interacted with former Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba and former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Both Ishiba and Koizumi, who have been prominent in opinion polls, were each nominated three times by their peers, signaling their strong positions in the race.
Ishiba, aged 67 and running as an independent, faced questions from former Minister of Economic Security Takayuki Kobayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, and Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi. His responses focused on his proposed policies, including the establishment of a Ministry of Disaster Management and the formation of an Asian equivalent to NATO. These proposals reflect Ishiba’s long-standing interests and expertise in disaster management and regional security.
In contrast, the debate failed to delve deeply into substantive policy discussions, as many candidates reiterated standard criticisms about “politics and money,” resulting in a lack of depth in the discourse. This pattern underscores the competitive nature of the election, where candidates are keen to position themselves for a likely runoff, given the fragmented vote among nine contenders.
The election process stipulates that if no candidate secures a majority in the first round, the top two candidates will proceed to a runoff. The debate underscored the strategic maneuvers of candidates, particularly in targeting Ishiba and Koizumi, whose potential success in the first round could significantly impact the final outcome.